Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 20-21

 Ten draws: Sheffield United v Burnley, Huddersfield v Swansea, Stoke v Plymouth, Sunderland v Millwall, Watford v Hull, Bristol Rovers v Peterborough, Harrogate v MK Dons, Newport v Salford, Walsall v Bradford City, Stirling v Queen of the South.

Best draws: Sheffield United v Burnley, Stoke v Plymouth, Bristol Rovers v Peterborough, Newport v Salford, Walsall v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Birmingham, Derby, Wycombe, Annan.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Luton, Blackburn, Bolton, Portsmouth, Doncaster, Mansfield, Morecambe, Stockport, Tranmere.

Pick of the draws: Sheffield United (bottom) and Burnley (second bottom) seem doomed to relegation from the Premier League. They have been so poor this season that I can't see them beating each other. Plymouth's hopes of surviving the drop from the Championship were given a big boost when they beat promotion contenders Leicester at home last Friday. That will encourage them to get something at Stoke, who are also nervously looking over their shoulders. Although Peterborough are in the League One promotion mix, their results can fluctuate wildly. As Bristol Rovers, their hosts, have won their past two games, there's a good chance they can deny the Posh. Newport v Salford is a clash between teams on the slide in League Two. Neither can buy a win at the moment, so a draw is the most likely outcome. Bradford City's hopes of finishing in the top half of the table have risen recently and they can halt Walsall's surge.

Away days: Nottingham Forest, precariously placed in the Premier League, have won only two away matches this season but will be looking to make that three when they visit fellow relegation strugglers Everton, who lost 6-0 at Chelsea on Monday and appear to have imploded. With the top three in the Championship all faltering, fourth-placed Southampton can suddenly sense automatic promotion. They can follow their routine 3-0 midweek home victory over Preston by beating Cardiff. Birmingham's convincing 3-0 home win against FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry last Saturday moved them out of the relegation zone, so you have to fancy them at rock bottom Rotherham. Automatic promotion from League One is within Derby's grasp and they will probably clinch it by winning at Cambridge. Mid-table Wycombe have recovered well from their defeat in the EFL Trophy final, winning consecutive away games at Shrewsbury and Port Vale. I'm tipping them to make it a hat-trick at Carlisle, who have been relegated. Annan are battling bravely to escape the drop from Scottish League One and another three points are on the cards at Edinburgh, who cannot be saved.

Homes sweet homes: Luton have fared the best of the three promoted clubs from last season's Championship and have every chance of staying in the top flight. They are worth a wager against Brentford, who have lost 11 away fixtures so far this season. Doncaster won their eighth successive match by defeating Accrington 4-0 at home last weekend. They are now only two points off the League Two play-off positions and are in the mood to see off fellow contenders Barrow. Wimbledon look like falling short of the play-offs and it won't surprise me if they lose at Tranmere. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 13-14

Ten draws: Burnley v Brighton, Preston v Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday v Stoke, Bolton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Peterborough, Shrewsbury v Wycombe, MK Dons v Mansfield, Newport v Tranmere, Walsall v Notts County, Aberdeen v Dundee.

Best draws: Burnley v Brighton, Bolton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Peterborough, MK Dons v Mansfield, Walsall v Notts County.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Leicester (Friday), Blackpool, Northampton, Dundee United (Friday), Rangers, Oldham.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Hull, Millwall, Swansea, Stevenage, Crewe, Doncaster, Stockport, Wrexham.

Pick of the draws: A long injury list has made 10th-placed Brighton less effective this season, which gives Burnley, seemingly doomed to relegation from the Premier League, a chance to avoid defeat. Bolton, aiming for automatic promotion from League One, need maximum points but prospective champions Portsmouth have lost only four league fixtures all season and I don't see them losing this one. Peterborough, the EFL Trophy winners at Wembley last Sunday and fourth in the table, visit Oxford United, another side in form and fellow promotion contenders. Mansfield, strongly fancied to go up from League Two, crashed 4-1 at home to Crawley in a major upset last weekend but I believe they'll recover sufficiently to hold MK Dons, who are also challenging for promotion. Notts County, after an alarming slide down the table, are showing signs of turning things around and can take a point at Walsall.

Away days: Championship leaders Leicester fell to a shock 1-0 midweek loss at struggling Millwall. I'll be surprised if they make the same mistake at Plymouth, who, like Millwall, are battling relegation. Consecutive 1-0 home victories have given Blackpool a chance of reaching the League One play-offs, so they should prevail at Carlisle, who are going down. Mid-table Northampton visit Fleetwood, where hope of escaping relegation is fast fading. Dundee United, who lead the Scottish Championship, had a resounding 5-0 success at Queen's Park last Saturday. I don't think they'll win as handsomely at Morton but I still fancy them to collect three points. Rangers, one point behind table-topping Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand, know they cannot afford to switch off and I'm tipping them to make lowly Ross County suffer on Sunday. Oldham, of the National League, will have only themselves to blame if they cannot return from rock bottom Oxford City with three points.

Homes sweet homes: Despite holding Premier League title contenders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last Sunday, Manchester United looked terribly vulnerable and it would be just like them to lose  on Saturday against Bournemouth, who, incidentally, are no mugs. This is well worth a punt. If Millwall can beat promotion favourites Leicester at home, then they are perfectly capable of defeating Cardiff, who have nothing left to play for in the Championship. Crewe ended a run of five League Two games without a win with a 1-0 midweek victory at Morecambe. They will improve their play-off chances further by beating Grimsby, who are too near the drop zone for comfort. 

 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of April 6-7

 Ten draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Blackburn v Southampton, Cardiff v Hull, Huddersfield v Millwall, Stoke v West Brom, Charlton v Barnsley, Notts County v Harrogate, Tranmere v Walsall, St Mirren v Hearts, Dunfermline v Partick.

Best draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Blackburn v Southampton, Huddersfield v Millwall, Charlton v Barnsley, Notts County v Harrogate.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Bristol City, Oxford, Lincoln, Aberdeen, Peterhead.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Watford, Exeter, Northampton, Portsmouth, Barrow, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Fulham, beaten 3-1 at Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle, held to a 1-1 home draw by Everton, had disappointing Premier League results in midweek and inconsistency has been their undoing. Blackburn have played better than recent Championship results suggest and thrashing Sunderland 5-1 away on Easter Monday will make them believe they can frustrate Southampton, whose hopes of automatic promotion are fading. Lowly Millwall will want to make up for the embarrassment of losing 2-1  at relegation-doomed Rotherham last Monday and they visit Huddersfield, who are below them and in the drop zone. Charlton have been much harder to beat in League One lately and I fancy they will deny Barnsley, who look as though they will have to settle for the play-offs. Few teams relish facing mid-table Harrogate in League Two. They routed Gillingham 5-1 at home last Monday and have won more away games than they have lost. Notts County, their hosts, will be aware of the danger.

Away days: Liverpool let Manchester United off the hook when they lost their FA Cup quarter-final last month and I cannot see the favourites for the title making the same mistake at Old Trafford on Sunday. I think Bristol City, winners of their past two Championship fixtures, will take advantage of the unrest at Sunderland, who suffered a heavy home defeat last Monday. Oxford's 4-0 win over Fleetwood may have revived their League One season and I believe they'll carry on the good work at Burton. Lincoln's transformation in the same division has been remarkable and the high-flyers go to crisis-club Reading with confidence. In the Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen should prevail at rock bottom Livingston while Peterhead, second in Scottish Two, will rate their chances at league newcomers Bonnyrigg Rose. 

Homes sweet homes: Watford have perked up in the Championship under interim manager Tom Cleverley and are worth backing against Preston, whose play-off hopes are fading. Exeter, mid-table in League One, may be worth a punt against Stevenage, who are faltering and drawing too often to feel confident about promotion. In Scotland's big match of the weekend on Sunday, I'm going for second-placed Rangers to topple leaders Celtic and thus overtake them in the table.

Pools info: For the second week running, three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Hearts v Kilmarnock and Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir. 

Pools tips and best bets for March 30-31 coupon

 Ten draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Hearts v Kilmarnock, Dundee United v Raith, Cove Rangers v Stirling, Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir, Spartans v Forfar, Stranraer v Bonnyrigg Rose, Le Havre v Montpellier, Strasbourg v Rennes.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Hearts v Kilmarnock, Dumbarton v Stenhousemuir, Spartans v Forfar.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Fulham, Leicester (Friday), Stockport (Friday), Bromley (Friday), Dunfermline, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham, Preston (Friday), Barnsley (Friday), Peterborough (Friday), Gateshead (Friday), Woking (Friday), Rangers, East Fife.

Pick of the draws: It's about time Everton began converting some of the chances they have been creating and it may happen at Bournemouth, who are none too sound defensively. A four-point deduction has put Nottingham Forest in the Premier League relegation zone and there's no guarantee they will beat Crystal Palace, who will want to impress their new manager. Hearts, third in the Scottish Premiership, were on the wrong end of an upset at Ross County last weekend, whereas fourth-placed Kilmarnock went on a scoring spree at home to St Mirren and will be on a high. Stenhousemuir, clear Scottish League Two leaders, could be denied maximum points at third-placed Dumbarton, who have scored eight goals in their past two matches. Spartans, the Scottish League newcomers, have stumbled lately, so don't be surprised if Forfar, 10 points below them, nick a draw.

Away days: If Fulham's away record were better they would be higher up the Premier League. They should go some way to correcting that at bottom side Sheffield United on Saturday. Leicester will be miffed at being overtaken by Leeds at the top of the Championship and I think they'll take it out on Bristol City. Promotion-seeking Stockport, of League Two, roared back to form with a 5-0 home demolition of MK Dons last Saturday and they will fancy their chances of another three points at Forest Green, who have slipped back to bottom. Bromley's 2-0 home defeat by York in the National League was one of the shocks of last weekend. I believe they'll recover quickly at relegation-threatened Dorking. Dunfermline, seemingly on an upward curve in the Scottish Championship, are recommended at Arbroath, who look doomed to relegation, while Falkirk, miles clear at the top of Scottish League One, will surely prevail at Montrose.

Homes sweet homes: Gateshead's 3-2 comeback victory at Altrincham last Saturday and their 7-1 midweek rout of Hartlepool in the National League will put them in the mood for the visit of Rochdale, who are struggling to catch them. Woking, in the same division, are pulling further away from the drop zone and are worth backing against Eastleigh, who concede too many goals. Finally, mid-table East Fife appear to be going the right way in Scottish League Two and are recommended against Elgin. 

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Aldershot v Solihull Moors, Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham and Eastleigh v Hartlepool. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of March 23-24

 Ten draws: Stockport v MK Dons, Tranmere v Crawley, Morton v Dunfermline, Aldershot v Solihull Moors, Altrincham v Gateshead, Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham, Eastleigh v Hartlepool, England v Brazil, Colorado Rapids v Houston Dynamo, Kansas City v LA Galaxy.

Best draws: Stockport v MK Dons, Aldershot v Solihull Moors, Dagenham & Redbridge v Oldham, Eastleigh v Hartlepool, England v Brazil.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Stevenage, Derby, Wrexham, Partick, Hamilton, Belgium.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Burton, Crewe, Mansfield, Sutton, Dundee United, Falkirk, Dumbarton, Barnet, Chesterfield, France.

Pick of the draws: Not so long ago, Stockport looked certain to gain automatic promotion from League Two. However, they have faded and on Saturday face tricky opponents in MK Dons, who are only a point behind them, having defeated Crewe 3-1 at home last weekend. Solihull Moors, fourth in the National League, have won 10 away games this season, so shouldn't be too inconvenienced by a trip to Aldershot, who are also in the promotion frame. Mid-table Dagenham & Redbridge are the only National League side not to have drawn at home this season but that may not last beyond Saturday when they play Oldham, who are 10 points better off. Eastleigh, beaten 4-1 at home by Rochdale last Saturday, are conceding too many goals, something that Hartlepool, their better-placed opponents, have no doubt noticed. Although England are in good shape preparing for this summer's European Championship finals, they have a poor record against five-times World Cup winners Brazil, whom they meet in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday, and will be hard-pushed to win.

Away days: Stevenage's home form is letting them down in League One and they are a better bet away. It will be a shock if they don't return from bottom team Carlisle with three points. Nobody in League One has won more away matches than second-placed Derby, who have 12 to their credit. They have a good chance of making it 13 at Northampton. Wrexham's 1-0 home defeat by Tranmere in League Two was an unexpected blow to their promotion hopes but I believe they'll hit straight back at Grimsby, who are not completely clear of the drop zone. Partick, third in the Scottish Championship, are a confident selection at Arbroath, who are rock bottom. Hamilton, second in Scottish League One, ought to take their match at Cove Rangers in their stride and highly ranked Belgium should make their quality count against the Republic of Ireland. 

Homes sweet homes: Crewe and Wimbledon, both in the League Two promotion reckoning, meet on Saturday. Both had disappointing results last weekend -  Crewe losing 3-1 at MK Dons and Wimbledon going down 2-0 at home to Newport. I think Crewe will recover more quickly and make home advantage pay. Sutton, although last in League Two, are still alive and kicking after winning 1-0 at Forest Green, who are also threatened by relegation. Sutton are worth a punt against Accrington, who have recently parted with John Coleman, their long-serving manager. Dumbarton, surprising 6-2 winners at Spartans in Scottish League Two last Saturday, are recommended against Bonnyrigg Rose. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of March 16-17

 Ten draws: Burnley v Brentford, West Ham v Aston Villa, Stoke v Norwich, Derby v Bolton, Peterborough v Portsmouth, Stevenage v Leyton Orient, Accrington v Notts County, Colchester v Walsall, Swindon v Doncaster, Motherwell v Aberdeen.

Best draws: West Ham v Aston Villa, Stoke v Norwich, Derby v Bolton, Stevenage v Leyton Orient, Accrington v Notts County.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Tottenham, Cardiff, Blackpool, Alloa, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Luton, Birmingham, Ipswich, West Brom, Lincoln, Barrow, Forest Green, Airdrieonians, Bromley.

Pick of the draws: I wonder how Aston Villa will be affected by their 4-0 home defeat against Tottenham in the Premier League last Sunday. They have stumbled lately and West Ham, who are impressive when the mood takes them, can take advantage of that on Sunday. Stoke's fine 2-1 win at Preston last weekend lifted them out of the bottom three in the Championship and should put them in good heart for the visit of an improved Norwich, who are in the play-off places. Derby and Bolton, second and third respectively in League One, face each other after midweek victories and I'm tipping them to cancel each other out. Stevenage and Leyton Orient were scoreless last Saturday and I won't be surprised if this one ends in dull deadlock. Accrington v Notts County is a League Two clash between out-of-form sides and I wouldn't put money on either of them winning.

Away days: Liverpool, unlucky not to beat Manchester City in the league match at Anfield last Sunday, look too strong for Manchester United in their FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford. If Tottenham, closing in on a Champions League spot, can beat Aston Villa 4-0 away, then they must have a great chance of coming away from Fulham with maximum points. Cardiff, who defeated high-flying Ipswich at home with two injury-time goals last weekend, are in a winning groove in the Championship and I fancy them to prevail at Swansea. Blackpool crept nearer the League One play-off positions by beating Northampton 1-0 away in midweek and I'm taking them to win again at Wigan. Alloa, in Scottish League One, look an away banker at rock bottom Edinburgh and it's also impossible to ignore runaway leaders Falkirk, who visit lowly Queen of the South.

Homes sweet homes: Of the three teams in the Premier League relegation places, Luton look the most likely to escape. They are showing great spirit, even in defeat, and I reckon that will carry them through against struggling Nottingham Forest, who are just above them. Birmingham desperately need points to avoid dropping into the Championship relegation zone and I believe they'll get them against ailing Watford, who have sacked their manager. Forest Green, with consecutive wins behind them (2-0, home to Walsall and 2-0, away to Bradford City), are finally out of the League Two drop zone and they aim to celebrate by defeating Sutton, who are bottom.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of March 9-10

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Tottenham, Liverpool v Manchester City, Wolves v Fulham, Bristol City v Swansea, Millwall v Birmingham, Preston v Stoke, Bristol Rovers v Derby, Port Vale v Shrewsbury, Wigan v Leyton Orient, Harrogate v Crawley.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Tottenham, Liverpool v Manchester City, Wolves v Fulham, Bristol Rovers v Derby, Port Vale v Shrewsbury.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Leicester, Peterborough, Bolton, Crewe, Walsall, Rangers.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Arsenal, Bournemouth, West Ham, Blackburn, Norwich, Queens Park Rangers, Barnsley, Charlton, Stockport, Sutton.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa, fourth in the Premier League, haven't been as convincing at home in 2024 and Tottenham, who lie fifth, have a decent chance of coming away with a point. With Liverpool v Manchester City on Sunday, some will probably accuse me of taking the coward's way out by going for a draw. However, I genuinely believe this will be one of the few occasions in the season that neither leaders Liverpool, nor second-placed Man City win at the weekend. Fulham's last two league results have been excellent - a 2-1 win at Manchester United and a 3-0 home victory over Brighton - and they won't have an inferiority complex at Wolves. Bristol Rovers, of League One, are up and down like a yo-yo and their sheer unpredictability makes me feel that they can hinder Derby's promotion chances.  Port Vale and Shrewsbury, who play each other, are badly off colour and both could drop down to League Two. 

Away days: Championship leaders Leicester emerged from their dodgy spell with a 1-0 midweek win at Sunderland. It won't surprise me if they mete out similar punishment when they visit play-off contenders Hull. League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough are back in the groove, thanks to home victories over Exeter (2-1, Saturday) and Northampton (5-1, midweek) and will travel to Burton with confidence. Promotion-hunting Bolton fought back from 2-0 down at Barnsley to force a 2-2 midweek draw and must be fancied at Exeter. Crewe's 3-2 home defeat by Morecambe last Saturday was unexpected and I'm backing the League Two high-flyers to respond positively at Doncaster. Fast-climbers Walsall should inflict Forest Green's 12th home defeat of the season while Rangers, the Scottish Premiership leaders, are my tip to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals by defeating Hibernian on Sunday. 

Homes sweet homes: The scrap to avoid relegation from the Championship becomes more tense every week. I'm taking Blackburn, one of at least eight sides in danger, to gain their first win since John Eustace was appointed manager when they host Plymouth. Queens Park Rangers are another team in peril but their victory at Leicester last Saturday was fully merited and they are worth backing against Middlesbrough, who seem to have lost their way again. Sutton, although bottom of League Two, have shown they won't go down without a fight. They won 4-3 at Notts County and only lost to a late goal at Tranmere last Saturday.  I think they will beat struggling Grimsby.

Betting info: I scored six out of six with my away selections last Saturday: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool and Mansfield. 

 

 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of March 2-3

Ten draws: Burnley v Bournemouth, Fulham v Brighton, Stoke v Middlesbrough, Swansea v Blackburn, Fleetwood v Wigan, Wycombe v Barnsley, Grimsby v Forest Green, Salford v Gillingham, Dundee v Kilmarnock, St Johnstone v Livingston. 

Best draws: Burnley v Bournemouth, Fulham v Brighton, Swansea v Blackburn, Wycombe v Barnsley, Grimsby v Forest Green.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Mansfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Manchester City, Leicester, Millwall, Bolton, Cheltenham, Derby, Crewe, Bradford City, Rangers, Falkirk.

Pick of the draws: Although Burnley are surely doomed to relegation, the goals and wins have also dried up for Bournemouth, who are sliding back down the Premier League. Bournemouth's home midweek FA Cup defeat by Championship leaders Leicester, cannot have helped their cause. Brighton have bravely battled through an injury crisis and are capable of avoiding defeat at Fulham, despite the Cottagers' 2-1 deserved victory at Manchester United last weekend. Swansea's display in their 2-1 Championship win at Sunderland last Saturday was almost as good as Blackburn's performance in defeat against Newcastle in their midweek FA Cup tie and a fine, close match is in prospect. Barnsley's superb away record in League One will make them favourites at Wycombe but Wycombe's 10 men were only beaten 1-0 at promotion-seeking Stevenage last Saturday. Forest Green, fighting relegation from League Two, have revived since appointing Steve Cotterill as manager and can deny Grimsby, who are one place above them.

Away days: Aston Villa, fourth in the Premier League, will be disappointed if they don't take advantage of Luton's recent lapses at home. Leaders Liverpool are on such a high after their League Cup final triumph at Wembley last Sunday that I cannot see Nottingham Forest, hovering just outside the relegation zone, stopping them. Three successive wins have helped Championship promotion hopefuls Ipswich to get back on course and I'm tipping them at Plymouth. Sheffield Wednesday can at last see an escape route from relegation and winning at Rotherham, who are bottom, will give them even more belief. Blackpool, 4-1 home winners over Bolton in League One last weekend, are worth backing at Shrewsbury, who are inconsistent. League Two leaders Mansfield have scored 67 goals this season, most of them away. I believe they'll score a few more at Newport. 

Homes sweet homes: Neil Harris, back as manager at struggling Millwall, celebrated his return with a shock 2-1 win at Southampton in the Championship last Saturday. He'll need a repeat against Watford if the Lions are to stay clear of the drop zone and I think his team will do it. Despite Cheltenham, being near the foot of League One, they have a good opportunity to take maximum points against Burton, who have lost consecutive home fixtures. Although Bradford City have done nothing special in League Two, they are worth a punt against Notts County, who have collapsed and are tumbling down the table.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of February 24-25

 Ten draws: Blackburn v Norwich, Cardiff v Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol City, Burton v Northampton, Charlton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Leyton Orient, Notts County v Crewe, Hibernian v Dundee, Ross v Livingston, Arbroath v Inverness. 

Best draws: Cardiff v Stoke, Charlton v Portsmouth, Oxford v Leyton Orient, Notts County v Crewe, Ross v Livingston. 

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Lincoln, Tranmere, Colchester, Raith, Falkirk, Aldershot. 

Ten homes: Arsenal, Brighton, Wolves, Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers, Southampton, Sunderland, Bristol Rovers, Partick (Friday), Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Cardiff are in a bit of a rut and cannot be guaranteed to beat Stoke, who are suffering themselves and too near the Championship relegation zone for comfort. At first glance, the League One fixture between Charlton (20th) and Portsmouth (1st) looks an away banker. Charlton are without a win in 17 games but they have a new manager in Nathan Jones and, against all the odds, drew 3-3 at high-flying  Bolton last Saturday. I've a hunch they'll spring another surprise this weekend. Oxford have dropped too many points recently and I believe they'll drop another couple when they host Leyton Orient, who have done well away. Automatic promotion from League Two now seems beyond free-scoring Notts County. They face fourth-placed Crewe, who have tightened up defensively. Ross (11th) and Livingston (12th) occupy the last two places in the Scottish Premiership. Of the two, Livingston are in better form and can gain a point.

Away days: Lincoln, mid-table in League One, can inflict more misery on relegation-threatened Port Vale, who have lost their last two. Tranmere's 4-0 home triumph over League Two leaders Stockport was probably the biggest upset of last Saturday. They have far less to fear from Forest Green, who are second bottom and woefully off form. Bottom-of-the table Sutton keep losing and seem beyond redemption. They host Colchester, who have a much better chance of avoiding relegation. Raith, second in the Scottish Championship, are recommended at Ayr and in Scottish League One it's hard to ignore runaway leaders Falkirk, who visit Kelty Hearts. Aldershot, right in the mix for promotion from the National League, beat Altrincham (2-0, home) last Saturday and Barnet (1-0, home) in midweek. Don't rule out them making it a hat-trick of wins at Southend on Saturday.

Homes sweet homes: Arsenal, the outsiders in a three-horse race for the Premier League title, felt robbed when they lost to a controversial goal at Newcastle last November and with five consecutive wins behind them, they are in the mood for revenge. Middlesbrough shocked the Championship leaders Leicester by beating them 2-1 at the King Power Stadium last Saturday. Although inconsistency has been Boro's downfall this season, they should still have enough to defeat Plymouth, who are fading. It's important that Sunderland, who dismissed manager Michael Beale in midweek, keep in touch with the play-off contenders and they'll be trying to take advantage of Swansea's fragile state. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of February 17-18

 Ten draws: Nottingham Forest v West Ham, Birmingham v Sunderland, Preston v Blackburn, Stoke v Coventry, Carlisle v Cambridge, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Peterborough v Blackpool, Shrewsbury v Wigan, Colchester v Accrington, Airdrieonians v Ayr.

Best draws: Nottingham Forest v West Ham, Birmingham v Sunderland, Preston v Blackburn, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Airdrieonians v Ayr.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Manchester United, Brighton, Ipswich, Mansfield, Queen of the South.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Newcastle, Tottenham, Huddersfield, Leicester, Bolton, Leyton Orient, Bradford City, Crewe, Salford, Aberdeen.

Pick of the draws: Surely, West Ham, thrashed 6-0 at home by Arsenal last Sunday, cannot play as badly again and have a chance to partly redeem themselves at Nottingham Forest, who are too close to the Premier League relegation zone for comfort. Tony Mowbray, in charge of struggling Championship side Birmingham, faces Sunderland, the club he used to manage, on Saturday and will be encouraged by Birmingham's midweek home win over Blackburn. The under-appreciated John Eustace is the new manager at Blackburn, who lifted the mood at Ewood Park by beating Stoke 3-1 last weekend. They visit Preston, who are inconsistent. It's almost impossible to predict how Bristol Rovers, mid-table in League One, will fare on any given week. For example, beaten 2-1 at home by Burton last Saturday, they recovered from two goals down to win 3-2 at Stevenage in midweek. Having unexpectedly lost and then won, they are worth backing to draw at Northampton, who are also mid-table. Ayr, of the Scottish Championship, fought pluckily before being defeated 2-0 at Rangers in the Scottish Cup fifth round last weekend. They will be confident of holding Airdrieonians.

Away days: Premier League title challengers Arsenal showed the ruthlessness required in winning 6-0 at West Ham and it's hard to see them slipping up at Burnley, who look doomed to relegation. A fine 2-1 victory at Aston Villa last Sunday suggests that Manchester United may have turned a corner and they should be backed at Luton, whose revival was cut short by a 3-1 home loss to bottom team Sheffield United last Saturday. A goal in the final seconds condemned Brighton to a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham last weekend. On Sunday they visit Sheffield United, who are far less formidable opponents. Ipswich returned to winning ways in the Championship with a 4-0 midweek dismantling of Millwall. The Tractor Boys visit Swansea, who crashed 4-0 at home to Leeds in midweek. Mansfield, second in League Two, went goal crazy at home to Harrogate in midweek, winning 9-2, and will surely score enough against Walsall. Queen of the South, in Scottish League One, look an away banker at Edinburgh City, who prop up the table.

Homes sweet homes: Championship strugglers Huddersfield have scored eight goals in their past three  league games. They gave high-flying Southampton a fright before going down 5-3 last Saturday and beat Sunderland at home in midweek. They are worth a wager against play-off contenders Hull. Lowly Salford, of League Two, will fancy themselves against promotion-seeking Barrow, who have gone right off the boil. I've a hunch that Aberdeen, now managed by wily veteran Neil Warnock until the end of the season, will come out on top against Hibernian in their Scottish Premiership clash. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Feb 10-11

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Manchester United, Fulham v Bournemouth, Tottenham v Brighton, Cardiff v Preston, Blackpool v Oxford, Lincoln v Fleetwood, Wycombe v Peterborough, Wimbledon v Barrow, Doncaster v Tranmere, Swindon v Salford.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Manchester United, Tottenham v Brighton, Lincoln v Fleetwood, Wycombe v Peterborough, Wimbledon v Barrow.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Portsmouth, Bolton, Stevenage, Mansfield, Stockport.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Liverpool, Manchester City, Hull, Ipswich, Leeds, Southampton, Derby, Reading, Crewe, Partick.

Pick of the draws: Aston Villa have lost their last two home games after previously looking impregnable and this is a happy hunting ground for Manchester United, who have picked up recently with victories against Wolves (4-3, away) and West Ham (3-0, home). It's almost impossible to predict what Brighton will do from week to week but at their best they are more than capable of coming away from Tottenham with a point. Consecutive wins over Port Vale (3-0, home) last Saturday and Bristol Rovers (2-0, away) in midweek have given Fleetwood renewed hope of avoiding relegation from League One. I believe they'll get something at mid-table Lincoln, who have already drawn on 11 occasions this season. Peterborough's promotion challenge in League One faltered with a 3-2 home defeat by Wigan last Saturday and a 2-1 away loss to Exeter in midweek. I'm tipping Wycombe to take advantage. Barrow climbed back into the League Two automatic promotion placings by beating MK Dons 1-0 at home last Saturday and can force a draw at Wimbledon.

Away days: A refreshed Arsenal will hope it's third time lucky at West Ham on Sunday. West Ham knocked the Gunners out of the League Cup in November and defeated them 2-0 at the Emirates over Christmas. The way Arsenal played when beating Liverpool 3-1 at home last Sunday suggests that they will gain their revenge. Portsmouth have opened a four-point gap at the top of League One and should be backed at Carlisle, who are bottom. Bolton are the side with the best chance of catching Pompey and will travel to Northampton with confidence. Stevenage's away form has kept them in the promotion race and ought to help them at Port Vale, who have dropped into the relegation zone. Mansfield, second in League Two, and Stockport, who lead the division, are likely winners at Forest Green and Grimsby respectively.

Homes sweet homes: Although Ipswich were sensationally knocked out of the FA Cup by non-League Maidstone and have fallen out of the automatic promotion places in the Championship, they still have  much to offer and are worth a wager against fellow promotion seekers, West Bromwich Albion, in the early Saturday kick-off. Crisis-club Reading, shock 1-0 away winners at Stevenage in midweek, have moved clear of the League One drop zone and I'm tipping them to continue that upward trend when they host an ailing Charlton. It's the fifth round of the Scottish Cup this weekend and a win for Partick, third in the Championship, over Livingston, bottom of the Premiership, won't be that much of an upset.

Betting info: I scored five out of six with my away selections last weekend. The successful teams were Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester, Plymouth and Chesterfield.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of February 3-4

 Ten draws: Arsenal v Liverpool, Chelsea v Wolves, Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough v Sunderland, Norwich v Coventry, Burton v Lincoln, Barrow v MK Dons, Salford v Wrexham, Tranmere v Crewe, Motherwell v Kilmarnock.

Best draws: Huddersfield v Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough v Sunderland, Burton v Lincoln, Salford v Wrexham, Tranmere v Crewe.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester, Plymouth, Celtic, Chesterfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Bournemouth, Burnley, Blackburn, West Bromwich, Fleetwood, Leyton Orient, Colchester, Mansfield, Stockport, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Huddersfield, who sacked manager Darren Moore after a 1-1 away draw with fellow Championship strugglers Queens Park Rangers last Sunday, are finding it hard to escape from the danger zone. They host Sheffield Wednesday, who are in an even worse position, but there's no guarantee of a home win. Middlesbrough's confidence must have been damaged by their 6-1 defeat at Chelsea in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final, whereas Sunderland's morale was boosted when they beat Stoke 3-1 at home last Sunday. Burton and Lincoln, both in mid-table in League One, are goal-shy and I predict a low-scoring stalemate. At first glance, Salford v Wrexham, in League Two, looks an away banker but lowly Salford are unbeaten in their past four games under new manager Karl Robinson and came from behind to win at promotion-seeking Crewe last weekend. Crewe's unexpected 3-2 home loss last Saturday was probably just a blip but Tranmere are much improved and can gain a point.

Away days: I'm tipping Aston Villa to make an immediate recovery from their Premier League 3-1 home midweek defeat by Newcastle. Villa visit Sheffield United, who appear certain to make an instant return to the Championship. Southampton's 22-match unbeaten run doesn't look in any danger at Rotherham, who are bottom of the Championship. Leicester increased their lead at the top with a 3-1 midweek home victory over Swansea and should win again at Stoke. I'm backing Plymouth to record their first away success this season at ailing Swansea. Celtic, the Scottish Premiership leaders, start strong favourites at manager-less Aberdeen while Chesterfield, 16 points clear at the top of the National League, are highly recommended at Eastleigh.

Homes sweet homes: I believe it's worth a punt on Premier League strugglers Burnley to beat Fulham, who on their worst days could lose to almost anybody. Fleetwood, bottom of League One and with a new manager in Charlie Adam, face an uphill battle to stay up. However, they showed some spirit and desire in a 2-2 draw at Wycombe last Saturday, which should serve them well against Port Vale, who are slipping nearer the drop zone. Mansfield, third in League Two, have stumbled recently, losing 1-0 at home to Crewe, drawing 1-1 at home with second-last Sutton and losing 2-1 away to Wimbledon. Despite these setbacks, I'm backing them to defeat fellow promotion candidates Notts County.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of January 27-28

 Ten draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Millwall v Preston, Sunderland v Stoke, Cambridge v Burton, Wigan v Stevenage, Wimbledon v Mansfield, Forest Green v Accrington, Queen's Park v Ayr, Annan v Edinburgh, Aldershot v Rochdale.

Best draws: Sunderland v Stoke, Cambridge v Burton, Wigan v Stevenage, Wimbledon v Mansfield, Annan v Edinburgh.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Brighton, Bolton, Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, Stockport, Stenhousemuir.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leeds, Leicester, Watford, Queens Park Rangers, Barnsley, Northampton, Crewe, Notts County, Morton, Chesterfield.

Pick of the draws: Sunderland continue to disappoint at home, easily knocked out of the FA Cup by bitter rivals Newcastle and losing 1-0 to Hull in the Championship last Friday. Don't be surprised if they drop more points to Stoke on Saturday. Burton's 2-0 home win over Charlton last weekend enabled them to move away from the League One danger zone and they won't be apprehensive about going to Cambridge, who are just above them. Play-off candidates Stevenage are better on their travels but will be tested by Wigan, who keep climbing the table. Wimbledon and Mansfield, who play each other on Saturday, had midweek setbacks in League Two, Wimbledon losing 3-1 at Milton Keynes Dons and Mansfield held to a 1-1 home draw by relegation favourites Sutton. Mansfield, in third place, are among the away draw specialists in this division  and I'm taking them to draw again. Edinburgh, bottom of Scottish League One, came within seconds of beating leaders Falkirk at home recently, which will encourage them at Annan, who are less formidable opponents.

Away days: Brighton look good value in the FA Cup. They won impressively at Stoke in the third round and I believe they'll go through at Sheffield United, who are holding up the rest of the Premier League. If Bolton want automatic promotion to the Championship they'll need to beat League One strugglers such as Carlisle. Portsmouth retained top spot in League One by winning 1-0 at bottom side Fleetwood last Saturday and I expect them to prevail by a similar margin at Port Vale. Leyton Orient have defeated Portsmouth (3-0 away) and Bolton (1-0 home) in their past two games, results which should serve them at crisis club Reading. League Two leaders Stockport are recommended at Doncaster, who have lapsed again, and Stenhousemuir, who top the Scottish League Two by 16 points, have my backing against runners-up Peterhead.

Homes sweet homes: I've a hunch that Southampton's remarkable 21-match unbeaten run will end on Sunday in the FA Cup fourth round. Southampton's hosts, Watford, are doing quite well themselves in the Championship and drew 1-1 with the Saints at Vicarage Road last month. Of the three teams in the Championship drop zone, Queens Park Rangers look the most likely to escape. They beat Millwall 2-0 at home last Saturday and I think they'll gain three more points against fellow strugglers Huddersfield on Sunday. Promotion-seeking Notts County, from League Two, are worth a wager against higher-placed Barrow, who seem to be faltering. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of January 20-21

 Ten draws: Norwich v West Bromwich, Queens Park Rangers v Millwall, Stoke v Birmingham, Exeter v Cambridge, Port Vale v Wycombe, Barrow v Crewe, Notts County v Stockport, Swindon v Tranmere, Kilmarnock v Dundee, Livingston v Raith.

Best draws: Queens Park Rangers v Millwall, Barrow v Crewe, Notts County v Stockport, Swindon v Tranmere, Livingston v Raith.

Weekend's best bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Coventry, Derby, Wrexham, Queen's Park, Hamilton.

Weekend's best bets: Ten homes: Leeds, Middlesbrough, Sunderland (Friday), Burton, Cheltenham, Oxford, Peterborough, Gillingham, Mansfield, Solihull Moors.

Pick of the draws: Queens Park Rangers seem to be fighting a losing battle to stay in the Championship and they probably won't relish a London derby against Millwall, whose away record contrasts favourably with their form at home. Barrow (4th), host Crewe (5th) in League Two's match of the weekend. Although Barrow, unbeaten at home, appear to have the edge, Crewe are the form team, having won their past three games, including victory at high-flying Mansfield. I rate Notts County v Stockport the best draw on the coupon. Sixth-placed Notts are stronger in attack but weaker in defence, as was evident in their 5-5 draw at Grimsby last Saturday. I'm tipping Stockport, the League Two leaders, to become the first side to share the spoils at Notts this season. Tranmere's revival has been halted by consecutive defeats against Barrow (1-0) and Milton Keynes Dons (2-1) but they should be good enough to avoid defeat at Swindon, who are even more off-colour. I've a feeling that Livingston, bottom of the Scottish Premiership, will have to settle for a draw against Championship contenders Raith in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Away days: Premier League leaders Liverpool usually find a way to win when below their best, which is why I fancy them for three points at mid-table Bournemouth on Sunday. Coventry's 3-1 home victory over table-toppers Leicester last Saturday enabled them to climb into the Championship play-off positions. I think they'll have too much for relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday. Derby, League One promotion challengers, have gained nine away victories, the best in the division, and that should benefit them at Lincoln. Wrexham, second in League Two, can do little wrong at the moment and will travel to Newport with confidence. Queen's Park, having hauled themselves off the foot of the Scottish Championship with two unexpected wins, have a hat-trick in their sights at Dunfermline. Hamilton, runners-up in Scottish League One, will be disappointed at anything less than maximum points at Stirling. 

Homes sweet homes: In the only Championship fixture on Friday, I expect Sunderland to take advantage of Hull's recent uncertainty. In League One, Burton only lost to a late goal at Derby on Monday and will be optimistic about beating Charlton, who have not won a league match since late November. At the bottom of the table, Cheltenham, who defeated leaders Portsmouth 2-1 at home the Saturday before last, are in much better shape than their visitors Carlisle, who are one place below them. 

Pools info: I scored six out of ten with my draw selections last week: Everton v Aston Villa (0-0), Manchester United v Tottenham (2-2), Huddersfield v Plymouth (1-1), Colchester v Bradford City (1-1), Arbroath v Ayr (0-0) and Morton v Partick (1-1). 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of January 13-14

 Ten draws: Everton v Aston Villa, Manchester United v Tottenham, Huddersfield v Plymouth, Millwall v Middlesbrough, Preston v Bristol City, Barnsley v Bristol Rovers, Charlton v Peterborough, Colchester v Bradford City, Arbroath v Ayr, Morton v Partick.

Best draws: Millwall v Middlesbrough, Preston v Bristol City, Barnsley v Bristol Rovers, Colchester v Bradford City, Morton v Partick.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Watford, Stoke, Oxford, Notts County, Barrow, Falkirk.

Weekend's best football bets: Ten homes: Birmingham, Southampton, West Bromwich, Blackpool, Reading, Crawley, Crewe, Wrexham, Kelty Hearts, Forfar.

Pick of the draws: Middlesbrough may be thinking more of Wembley after beating Chelsea 1-0 at home in the midweek Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, which gives Millwall more opportunity in their Championship clash on Saturday. Bristol City, who have forced an FA Cup third-round home replay with West Ham next Tuesday, should be in the mood to take advantage of Preston going off the boil. Barnsley's indifferent home form has hindered their promotion challenge in League One and their mid-table opponents, Bristol Rovers, will have taken note. Danny Cowley's appointment as Colchester manager inspired them to fight back and draw 2-2 at Swindon last Saturday. The League Two strugglers host Bradford City, who are again falling short of expectations. Morton haven't drawn at home in the Scottish Championship this season but that sequence may end against Partick. Both sides had good wins last weekend - Morton 3-2 at Dundee United, who are second, and Partick 4-0 at home to bottom club Arbroath.

Away days: Although Watford made hard work of beating non-League Chesterfield at home in the FA Cup last weekend, their recent record has been encouraging. It's difficult to see them being inconvenienced by Queens Park Rangers, second last in the Championship. Stoke are a tougher proposition under new management and should be backed at Rotherham, who seem certain to go down. Despite Oxford being less than convincing lately, I believe they'll gain maximum points at Carlisle, who are in the League One relegation dogfight. Notts County, League Two promotion candidates, are recommended at Grimsby, who lost their last home match 6-1 to Walsall. It will be an upset if fourth-placed Barrow don't take three points at bottom side Sutton while Falkirk, runaway leaders of Scottish League One, appear even more of an away banker at ailing Edinburgh.

Homes sweet homes: Wayne Rooney's departure as manager may finally relax Birmingham. They need a victory to ease their fears of relegation from the Championship and I think it will come against Swansea, who are erratic. Reading's prospects of staying in League One have improved and their future could look even brighter after they've played Port Vale on Saturday. Second-from-bottom Forfar have failed to win at home in Scottish League Two this season but they'll be hopeful against Elgin, who are just above them.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of January 6-7

 Ten draws: Blackburn v Cambridge, Hull v Birmingham, Newport v Eastleigh, Peterborough v Leeds, Shrewsbury v Wrexham, Sunderland v Newcastle, Burton v Wycombe, Exeter v Carlisle, Barrow v Tranmere, Peterhead v Spartans.

Best draws: Newport v Eastleigh, Peterborough v Leeds, Shrewsbury v Wrexham, Sunderland v Newcastle, Exeter v Carlisle.

Best weekend football bets: Six aways: Ipswich, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Derby, Doncaster.

Best weekend football bets: Ten homes: Fulham (Friday), Chelsea, Luton, Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke, Swansea, Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Elgin.

Pick of the draws: It's the third round of the FA Cup this weekend. Newport have done nothing special in League Two this season and are vulnerable to a challenge from National League Eastleigh, who scored five goals at Aldershot and another four at home to Dagenham & Redbridge last Saturday. Championship promotion contenders Leeds are not so sure of themselves away from home, having lost at Preston (2-1) and West Bromwich Albion (1-0) recently, and they have a difficult assignment at on-form Peterborough, who are third in League One. Wrexham are well placed to be promoted from League Two and it would be no surprise if they forced a replay at League One Shrewsbury. Sunderland, in the Championship play-off positions, will be relishing a visit from their bitter rivals Newcastle, who have now lost as many Premier League fixtures as they have won. Switching to a League One match between relegation-threatened clubs, I predict that Carlisle will avoid defeat at Exeter, despite one of the longest journeys in the English football calendar. 

Away days: Although Ipswich, Championship promotion candidates, are without a win in five, they should still prevail at League Two Wimbledon. Aston Villa have a good chance to improve their away record at Middlesbrough, who have already lost six home games in the Championship. Bournemouth's unbeaten run in the Premier League was ended by Tottenham last weekend but I expect them to bounce straight back against Championship strugglers Queens Park Rangers. In League One, table-topping Portsmouth look a confident bet at lowly Cheltenham while high-flying Derby are equally recommended at Fleetwood, who are bottom. A 1-1 draw at Mansfield and a 3-0 home victory over Milton Keynes Dons in League Two on Monday must have lifted the mood at Doncaster. I'm tipping them to gain maximum points at Harrogate, who are poor at home.

Homes sweet homes: Of the three sides in the Championship drop zone, Sheffield Wednesday seem most likely to escape. They deserved their 1-0 win at Preston last Monday and they'll be looking to knock Cardiff out of the FA Cup on Saturday. I don't see many cup upsets this weekend but one of them could be at Stoke, who host an injury-weakened Brighton from the Premier League. Stoke have not lost a  Championship match since they appointed Steven Schumacher as manager. Lowly Elgin unexpectedly beat second-placed Peterhead 2-1 in Scottish League Two last Saturday, so they are worth a punt against mid-table Stranraer.