Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of April 12-13

 Ten draws: Cardiff v Stoke, Millwall v Middlesbrough, Queens Park Rangers v Bristol City, West Bromwich v Watford, Bristol Rovers v Exeter, Barrow v Walsall, Harrogate v Grimsby, Swindon v Bradford City, Aberdeen v Rangers, Motherwell v Hearts.

Five best draws: Cardiff v Stoke, Bristol Rovers v Exeter, Barrow v Walsall, Swindon v Bradford City, Aberdeen v Rangers.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Charlton, Leyton Orient, Wrexham, Livingston, East Fife. Ten homes: Brighton, Chelsea, Wolves, Burnley (Friday), Luton, Sunderland, Lincoln, Wycombe, Gillingham, Peterhead.

Pick of the draws: Neither Cardiff nor Stoke, who play each other on Saturday, has pulled clear of the relegation area in the Championship and I don't believe either will improve their prospects at the weekend. Bristol Rovers sit just above the League One drop zone and they are not helped by their poor goal difference. However, they should at least gain a point from the visit of Exeter, who are having an unexceptional season. Walsall, for so long the runaway leaders of League Two, have dropped to third and are in danger of missing automatic promotion. They won't relish a trip to Barrow, who, unlike them, are in fine form. A 2-0 home victory against Crewe last Saturday enabled Bradford City to lead League Two but they won't have things all their own way at Swindon, who have responded well to veteran manager Ian Holloway. Just when you think Rangers have cracked it in the Scottish Premiership, they do something silly, like losing 2-0 to Hibernian at home. This inconsistency makes them vulnerable at Aberdeen, who have perked up recently.

Away days: Teams who have just sacked their manager often win their next game but it's hard to see Southampton, already relegated from the Premier League, continuing that trend against Aston Villa, who are ending the season like an express train, as evident with seven consecutive victories in all competitions. Charlton's 2-2 home draw against Lincoln last Saturday was a tiny blip in their attempt to win promotion from League One and I'll be surprised if they show the seemingly doomed Cambridge any mercy. Leyton Orient will probably just miss qualifying for the League One play-offs but they should be good enough to come away from relegation-threatened Crawley with three points. Wrexham are looking very likely to gain consecutive promotions and must be fancied at lowly Wigan. Livingston, second in the Scottish Championship and bang in form, are recommended at Greenock Morton and East Fife, second in Scottish League Two, will start firm favourites against Bonnyrigg Rose, who are bottom.

Homes sweet homes: Now that Wolves' Premier League status is almost secure by virtue of their 2-1 win at Ipswich last weekend, I expect them to celebrate by beating Tottenham at Molineux on Sunday. Draws against Leeds (home) and Stoke (away) have given Luton a fighting chance of avoiding successive relegations and they are worth backing against Blackburn, who are in danger of slipping into the bottom half of the Championship. Gillingham are on course to ending a disappointing League Two season on an optimistic note and I'm tipping them to defeat the uninspired Milton Keynes Dons.

Betting info: I scored eight out of 10 homes last weekend: Tottenham, Plymouth, Birmingham, Bolton, Wrexham, Colchester, Gateshead and Hartlepool.

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of April 5-6

 Ten draws: Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest, West Ham v Bournemouth, Coventry v Burnley, Millwall v Portsmouth, Huddersfield v Mansfield, Reading v Wycombe, Shrewsbury v Cambridge, Cheltenham v Doncaster, Tranmere v Chesterfield, Kilmarnock v Motherwell.

Five best draws: Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest, Coventry v Burnley, Millwall v Portsmouth, Cheltenham v Doncaster, Tranmere v Chesterfield.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Sheffield United, Stoke, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Partick, Tamworth. Ten homes: Tottenham, Plymouth, West Bromwich, Birmingham, Bolton, Charlton, Wrexham, Colchester, Gateshead, Hartlepool. 

Pick of the draws: Nottingham Forest took a giant step towards securing Champions League football next season with a narrow midweek home victory over Manchester United. As they are also in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, no wonder the mood is so buoyant at the City Ground. I think that feel-good factor will remain with them after Saturday's Premier League game at Aston Villa, who are also bang on form. Burnley's defensive resilience as they push for promotion from the Championship has been one of the stories of 2024-25 but manager Frank Lampard has put an extra spring in the step of Coventry, who occupy one of the play-off positions. Two of the division's most inconsistent teams, Millwall and Portsmouth, meet at The Den on Saturday and I don't believe either will emerge triumphant. Doncaster have lost some ground in their attempt to go up automatically from League Two and there's no guarantee they will return from Cheltenham with three points. Consecutive wins over Barrow (1-0, away) and Carlisle (2-1, home) have made Chesterfield believe they can make the play-offs. However, their visit to Tranmere is fraught with danger, for the hosts are scrapping like mad to avoid dropping out of the Football League.

Away days: It's hard to ignore the prospects of Sheffield United at Oxford. United, the worthy Championship leaders, are in the kind of form that Oxford can only dream about. Stoke's 3-1 home win over Queens Park Rangers last Saturday was timely in their fight to avoid relegation and I won't be surprised if they gain another three points at Preston. Blackpool are thriving in League One after home victories against Bolton (2-1 on Saturday) and Reading (3-0 in midweek) and are worth backing at Rotherham, who have sacked their manager, Steve Evans. Aberdeen seem over their poor patch in the Scottish Premiership and are recommended at Ross County. Partick, fourth in the Scottish Championship, will be disappointed not to come away from bottom side Airdrieonians with maximum points. Tamworth, unbeaten in their past nine fixtures, have the National League play-offs in their sights and will be confident of defeating Maidenhead, who are in the drop zone.

Homes sweet homes: Although Plymouth are still bottom of the Championship, they haven't given up hope of surviving and can improve their chances by defeating mid-table Norwich. West Bromwich Albion were very unlucky to lose to an added-time goal at Norwich last weekend. Perhaps they are due for a change of luck against fellow promotion contenders Sunderland. Colchester have encountered a few setbacks in League Two lately but I tip them to return to winning ways when they host the higher-placed Notts County.

Betting info: I scored five out of six aways last weekend with Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wrexham, Notts County and Rangers. Only Bradford City (0-0 at Accrington) let me down.

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of March 29-30

 Ten draws: Fulham v Crystal Palace, Hull v Luton, Norwich v West Bromwich, Stoke v Queens Park Rangers, Sunderland v Millwall, Bristol Rovers v Mansfield, Wigan v Barnsley, Barrow v Chesterfield, Harrogate v Gillingham, Hamilton v Raith.

Five best draws: Fulham v Crystal Palace, Norwich v West Bromwich, Sunderland v Millwall, Bristol Rovers v Mansfield, Harrogate v Gillingham.

Weekend football's best bets: Six aways: Manchester City, Aston Villa, Wrexham, Bradford City, Notts County, Rangers. Ten homes: Brighton, Leeds, Portsmouth, Watford, Birmingham, Stockport, Crewe, Doncaster, Hibernian, Barnet. 

Pick of the draws: Fulham and Crystal Palace have fared better away than at home this season. Bearing that in mind, I won't be at all surprised if Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Craven Cottage goes to extra time before a winner emerges. Neither side has yet won the competition, so I'm expecting a hard-fought, open encounter. Norwich v West Bromwich is a clash between two under-performing Championship teams. I'm not sure that either can raise their game enough to win. Mid-table Millwall are used to upsetting more fashionable sides and they can do so again at Sunderland, who lie fourth. Mansfield have at last arrested their alarming slide down League One and can gain a point at Bristol Rovers, who are just above the relegation zone. Although Harrogate and Gillingham find themselves at the wrong end of League Two, they appear safe from the drop. A point apiece is the most likely outcome.

Away days: Manchester City's implosion in the Premier League may make them more determined to do well in the FA Cup. They travel to Bournemouth for their quarter-final tie on Sunday and I believe they'll come out on top. Aston Villa aren't at their best away from Villa Park but you have to fancy them at Preston, who, at 14th in the Championship, are the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup. Wrexham, seeking automatic promotion from League One, have regained their poise recently and are recommended at Exeter. At the top of League Two, Bradford City recovered from their unexpected home defeat by Tranmere by defeating Colchester 4-1 at Valley Parade last weekend. It's hard to see them slipping up at  Accrington, who are 20th. Notts County had the better of their home goalless draw with fellow promotion candidates Crewe last Saturday, which should encourage them to come away from Newport with three points. After winning 3-2 away at Celtic, Rangers are far more upbeat and I expect them to see off second-from-bottom Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

Homes sweet homes: With good reason, Brighton don't fear anybody these days. I predict they'll make the most of home advantage against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and thereby book a place in the FA Cup semi-finals. You don't know what Portsmouth, of the Championship, are going to do from one week to the next. In the past month they've lost at Luton (1-0) and Preston (2-1) but beaten league leaders Leeds at home. They seem more confident at Fratton Park and are worth backing against Blackburn, who are heading in the wrong direction. Crewe have lost ground in League Two by drawing on too many occasions. They have a good chance to rectify this against fierce promotion rivals Port Vale, who seem equally vulnerable, having lost 1-0 at home to Barrow in midweek. 

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of March 22-23

 Ten draws: Germany v Italy, Bradford City v Colchester, Fleetwood v Tranmere, Notts County v Crewe, Inverness v Alloa, Clyde v Bonnyrigg Rose, Edinburgh v East Fife, Eastleigh v Southend, Solihull Moors v Yeovil, Wealdstone v Woking.

Five best draws: Bradford City v Colchester, Fleetwood v Tranmere, Notts County v Crewe, Edinburgh v East Fife, Eastleigh v Southend.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: North Macedonia, Queen of the South, York, Forest Green, Tamworth, Boston. Ten homes: France, Spain, Czechia, Montenegro, Cheltenham, Chesterfield, Port Vale, Ayr, Falkirk, Aldershot.

Pick of the draws: Colchester's astonishing 13-game unbeaten run has enabled them to climb into the League Two play-off positions. They have conceded less than a goal a game, a statistic that should serve them well at second-placed Bradford City. Two successive victories have halted Tranmere's alarming slide. They even won 1-0 at Bradford City last Saturday, so it will surprising if they don't get something from their trip to Fleetwood. Few sides have drawn more often than Crewe (15) and another stalemate is on the cards when they visit Notts County, who are only three places above them and four points better off. East Fife, the Scottish League Two leaders, crashed 3-0 at home to mid-table Stranraer last Saturday, so they will be wary of Edinburgh, who are third. Eastleigh and Southend are making a late push to qualify for the National League play-offs. They have the same number of points and I can't see that changing after Saturday.

Away days: North Macedonia will be kicking themselves if they don't gain maximum points against minnows Liechtenstein in their World Cup qualifier. Queen of the South, of Scottish League One, are worth backing at Dumbarton, who are rock bottom. York won't give up chasing the runaway National League leaders Barnet and a win at Braintree will be crucial to their prospects. Although Forest Green, in third, have faded recently, they should be too good for Fylde, who are in the relegation zone. Tamworth, improving by the week, are worth a punt at the higher-placed Gateshead, who have lost their past two home matches. Boston's remarkable escape from relegation is well and truly on. After winning 3-0 at Yeovil, they followed last Saturday's 1-0 victory at Braintree by beating Rochdale 3-2 away in midweek. A fourth consecutive away triumph - at mid-table Hartlepool - is not beyond them. 

Homes sweet homes: Cheltenham continue to impress in the second half of the League Two season and they will expect to beat the woefully out-of-touch Milton Keynes Dons. Chesterfield, 2-1 winners at promotion-challenging Notts County last weekend, have perked up lately and must be fancied against struggling Harrogate. Confidence seems to have been restored at Port Vale after a winter wobble. They saw off MK Dons 3-0 at home last Saturday and I expect a similar result against second-from-bottom Morecambe. 

Pools info (1): Salford v Doncaster (No.24 on coupon) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel.

Pools info (2): For the second week running, three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Manchester City v Brighton (2-2), Accrington v Gillingham (1-1) and St Johnstone v Aberdeen (0-0). 

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of March 15-16

 Ten draws: Manchester City v Brighton, Coventry v Sunderland, Millwall v Stoke, Preston v Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United, Accrington v Gillingham, Carlisle v Wimbledon, Newport v Harrogate, Notts County v Chesterfield, St Johnstone v Aberdeen.

Five best draws: Manchester City v Brighton, Preston v Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United, Accrington v Gillingham, St Johnstone v Aberdeen.

Weekend football's best bets: Six aways: Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Burnley, Livingston, York. Ten homes: Bournemouth, Southampton, Blackburn, West Bromwich, Blackpool, Huddersfield, Wycombe, Bradford City, Arbroath, Gateshead.

Pick of the draws: Premier League sides are no longer frightened by Manchester City and Brighton's recent form - six successive victories - suggests they are a good bet to avoid defeat at the Etihad on Saturday. No Championship team have drawn more matches than Preston's 17 this season. It won't surprise me if that figure climbs to 18 after they've played Portsmouth, whose morale was boosted by beating Leeds 1-0 at home last Sunday. Normally, I would side with Sheffield United, automatic promotion contenders, to defeat mid-table and fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday but Wednesday had a fine 3-2 midweek victory at Norwich and may be more up for this one. John Coleman, manager of League Two Gillingham, is returning to his old club, Accrington, who defeated Newport 5-0 at home in midweek. However, Gillingham, who upset high-flying Bradford City 1-0 at home last weekend, are in better shape than Newport and can come away with a point. St Johnstone may be bottom of the Scottish Premiership but, against all the odds, have reached the Scottish Cup semi-finals. I think this will inspire them to hold fourth-placed Aberdeen. 

Away days: I've a hunch that Newcastle will win their first domestic trophy since 1955 when they play the runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Although Newcastle have been weakened by injuries to key players, Liverpool will find it hard to recover from their midweek Champions League exit by Paris Saint-Germain. Fatigue could also be a factor, considering that Liverpool were taken to extra time before losing the penalty shoot-out. Nottingham Forest, third in the Premier League, are a confident selection at third-from-bottom Ipswich, who have not won this year. Leeds will want to get last Sunday's Championship defeat at Portsmouth out of their system and should do that at Queens Park Rangers, while Burnley's now famous defence ought to see them through at Swansea. I don't foresee any problems for Livingston at bottom club Airdrieonians in the Scottish Championship and second-placed York can cash in on Yeovil's slump in the National League. 

Homes sweet homes: Southampton, rock-bottom of the Premier League and doomed to relegation, can upset the form book by taking maximum points off Wolves, who will still be without Matheus Cuena, their best player, who is serving a four-match suspension. Too many home draws have hindered Blackpool's progress in League One but they won 2-1 in midweek against lowly Cambridge and I believe they'll get another three points against Leyton Orient, who have lost their last five matches. In League One's top-of-the-table clash between Wycombe and Wrexham, my money is on the underrated hosts, who continue to play with a swagger.

 

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of March 8-9

 Ten draws: Brighton v Fulham, Wolves v Everton, Portsmouth v Leeds, Swansea v Middlesbrough, Peterborough v Wycombe, Stevenage v Mansfield, Stockport v Charlton, Cheltenham v Colchester, Harrogate v Carlisle, Alloa v Arbroath.

Five best draws: Brighton v Fulham, Portsmouth v Leeds, Stevenage v Mansfield, Cheltenham v Colchester, Alloa v Arbroath.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Manchester City, Bolton, Reading, Bradford City, Inverness. Ten homes: Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Norwich (Friday), Sheffield United, Watford, Leyton Orient, Wrexham, Falkirk, Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Fulham have done so well away from Craven Cottage this season that their FA Cup triumph at Manchester United last weekend was not unexpected. Although in-form Brighton, their Premier League hosts, will probably provide tougher opposition, I still think Fulham can come away with a point. Leaders Leeds are odds-on to win promotion from the Championship but three points at Portsmouth, who have markedly improved, are not guaranteed. Mansfield's decline in League One has beens surprising but at least they have avoided defeat in their past two matches. I believe they'll do the same at mid-table Stevenage, who are unpredictable. Colchester, unbeaten in 10 matches, are contesting a play-off place in League Two after rapidly climbing the table. They visit Cheltenham, who are three places below them. Alloa knocked Cove Rangers off the top of Scottish League One last Saturday by beating them 3-2. This time they face the new leaders, Arbroath, and can also frustrate them.

Away days: Arsenal's 7-1 midweek romp at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League will restore some confidence before their Premier League fixture at Manchester United on Sunday. United are far from the force they once were and the Gunners should capitalise on their vulnerability. Manchester City's title hopes have long gone but they are a sound bet to finish in the top four. They are in slightly better form than the team they visit, Nottingham Forest, who sit third. I'm taking Bolton to follow their 3-1 home midweek victory over League One table-toppers Birmingham with another win at Burton, who are trying to escape relegation. Reading, like Bolton, are eying the League One play-offs and are a confident selection at lowly Crawley, who crashed 4-1 at Lincoln in midweek. Bradford City, now only two points behind leaders Walsall, are the form team in League Two and they look an away banker at Gillingham, who are sinking. In Scottish League One, Inverness, second from bottom, are worth a gamble at Dumbarton, who have amassed only eight points.

Homes sweet homes: In the Championship, Norwich are worth backing against Oxford, who can't buy a win and are slipping dangerously close to the drop zone. It's been a bad few days for Millwall, going out of the FA Cup at Crystal Palace last Saturday and then losing 2-0 at home to Bristol City in midweek. Watford, their hosts, will be eager to cash in. To most people's surprise, Leyton Orient have lost their last four League One games. As a result, their hopes of promotion have been damaged. However, I reckon they are due a change of luck against Northampton, who are struggling to stay clear of the relegation zone. 

Pools info: I got five out of ten draws last weekend and three of my five best draws were correct:  Newcastle v Brighton (1-1 at 90mins), Burton v Mansfield (1-1) and Wrexham v Bolton (0-0). 

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of March 1-2

Ten draws: Newcastle v Brighton, Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United, Stoke v Watford, Burton v Mansfield, Exeter v Northampton, Leyton Orient v Charlton, Wrexham v Bolton, Chesterfield v Crewe, Harrogate v Accrington, Alloa v Cove Rangers.

Five best draws: Newcastle v Brighton, Queens Park Rangers v Sheffield United, Burton v Mansfield, Leyton Orient v Charlton, Wrexham v Bolton.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Burnley, Portsmouth, Coventry, Port Vale, Celtic, Stenhousemuir. Ten homes: Aston Villa (Friday), Manchester City, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Walsall, Rangers, Arbroath, Forest Green, Gateshead.

Pick of the draws: Brighton's improvement has been so rapid that it suggests that they can at least take their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Newcastle on Sunday to extra time. Newcastle tend to blow hot and cold. They were outstanding in the first half against Nottingham Forest last weekend but nearly relinquished their 4-1 interval lead by the end. Sheffield United, second in the Championship, may not have fully recovered from their 3-1 home defeat by Leeds on Monday and mid-table Queens Park Rangers are quite capable of taking a point. Burton have recently looked the most impressive of the four League One relegation candidates and the odds on them getting something off Mansfield have gone down. Leyton Orient shouldn't be fazed by consecutive away defeats at Bolton (2-1) and Birmingham (2-0), despite Charlton, who are just below them, joining them on 53 points. Wrexham need maximum points to put more pressure on second-placed Wycombe but may not get them against Bolton, who are close to a play-off place. 

Away days: Burnley, having conceded only nine Championship goals all season, travel to Preston for an FA Cup fifth-round encounter on Saturday. They must be very confident, particularly as their forwards have also begun to click. Portsmouth are another Championship side on the upgrade and are a confident selection at bottom team Luton, who look dispirited and forlorn. Frank Lampard's Coventry, one place off the Championship play-offs, ought to prevail at Oxford, who need some shooting practice. It's hard to ignore the claims of Port Vale, sixth in League Two, at Tranmere, who are lurching from crisis to crisis.  Celtic, the runaway Scottish Premiership leaders, put five past Aberdeen in midweek, so don't be surprised if they are as convincing at St Mirren. Stenhousemuir, second in Scottish League One, must be fancied at rock bottom Dumbarton.

Homes sweet homes: Middlesbrough ended their dismal losing run with a 3-1 midweek victory at Stoke in the Championship. Derby, Boro's visitors on Saturday, are in an even worse state than Stoke, so put your money on the hosts. Barry Ferguson's interim appointment as Rangers manager should lift the mood at Ibrox and I expect them to beat Motherwell on Saturday. Promotion-seeking Forest Green, of the National League, have had a few setbacks at home recently but I believe they will stop the rot against Maidenhead, who are in the relegation zone. 

 

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of February 22-23

 Ten draws: Newcastle v Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth v Queens Park Rangers, Bolton v Leyton Orient, Mansfield v Wrexham, Northampton v Bristol Rovers, Rotherham v Barnsley, Colchester v Wimbledon, Newport v Cheltenham, Port Vale v Salford, Ayr v Livingston. 

Five best draws: Portsmouth v Queens Park Rangers, Bolton v Leyton Orient, Colchester v Wimbledon, Newport v Cheltenham, Ayr v Livingston.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Brighton, Blackburn, Stockport, Doncaster, Gillingham, Edinburgh. Ten homes: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Manchester City, Sunderland, Blackpool, Wycombe, Notts County, Swindon, Ross, Altrincham. 

Pick of the draws: Two consecutive Championship wins have moved Portsmouth away from the relegation zone but they may struggle to gain a third against QPR, who have recovered from a terrible start to the season to climb to mid-table. In League One, nothing seems beyond sixth-placed Leyton Orient at the moment, as shown when they won 2-1 at Wrexham in midweek. However, Bolton, who lie eighth, may provide sterner opposition. If any team can halt Wimbledon's steady progress in League Two it's on-form Colchester, who have now moved into the top half of the table. Colchester were further encouraged by their 1-1 midweek draw at promotion-seeking Notts County. Newport's four-match unbeaten run was ended by 10-man Bradford City last weekend. The Welsh club could also be denied by Cheltenham, who fought back from 2-0 down to beat Barrow 3-2 at home last Saturday. I have a feeling that Ayr, second in the Scottish Championship, won't have things all their own way against Livingston, who are third.

Away days: It will be a major upset if Brighton, convincing 3-0 home winners over Chelsea last Friday, don't collect another three Premier League points at Southampton, who have yet to reach double figures. Blackburn, in the Championship play-off positions, are thriving without a permanent manager and I fancy they will return from Swansea with maximum points. In League One, Stockport, aiming for successive promotions, will travel to bottom side Cambridge with confidence. High-flying Doncaster returned to winning ways in League Two with a 1-0 midweek success at second-from-bottom Morecambe and I expect them to come away from lowly Accrington with three points. Gillingham have a great opportunity to arrest their alarming slump at Carlisle, who are last. Edinburgh, who thrashed Spartans 5-0 at home in Scottish League Two last Saturday, shouldn't be fazed by a trip to Elgin, who lost 1-0 at Stranraer.

Homes sweet homes: Manchester City defied the growing number of doubters with a comfortable 4-0 home victory over Newcastle last Saturday. That should put them in the right frame of mind to face Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Swindon slipped up at Harrogate in League Two last Saturday but their form this year has been outstanding, which is more than I can say for Chesterfield, their higher-placed opponents. Ross, surprising 3-0 victors at Motherwell in the Scottish Championship last weekend, ought to see off Dundee, who are one place below them.

Betting info: I scored five out of six away wins last weekend with Arsenal, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Wrexham and York. 

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of February 15-16

 Ten draws: Manchester City v Newcastle, Tottenham v Manchester United, West Ham v Brentford, Blackburn v Plymouth, Millwall v West Bromwich, Stoke v Swansea, Barnsley v Huddersfield, Crawley v Wycombe, Newport v Bradford City, Dundee v Aberdeen.

Best five draws: Manchester City v Newcastle, West Ham v Brentford, Barnsley v Huddersfield, Crawley v Wycombe, Newport v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Wrexham, Swindon, York. Ten homes: Aston Villa, Cardiff, Hull, Middlesbrough, Birmingham, Leyton Orient, Reading, East Fife, Peterhead, Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Manchester City are much more vulnerable than they used to be and Newcastle, their visitors, are thinking positively right now. Don't be surprised if the League Cup finalists pick up a point or better. Graham Potter has yet to make an impact as manager at West Ham and mid-table Brentford will be doing all they can to frustrate him again. Barnsley and Huddersfield are faltering in their attempts to be promoted from League One and this fixture looks a probable stalemate. Crawley, 3-1 home winners over Stevenage in midweek, have not given up hope of escaping relegation and could deny second-placed Wycombe, who may be fading. Newport, with four League Two wins in a row, entertain Bradford City, who have also hit form and moved into the automatic promotion places. 

Away days: With Arsenal's injuries piling up, their Premier League fixture at relegation-fearing Leicester looks harder than it did a few weeks ago. However, I believe their short break in Dubai will benefit them, just as it did last season, and they will strengthen their hold on second place after Saturday's early match. Bournemouth are one of the teams of the season and cannot be ignored at Southampton, who are virtually doomed to drop. Portsmouth are playing better than their lowly Championship position indicates. They were very unlucky to lose at Sheffield United last weekend and I've a feeling they will take it out on Oxford. Wrexham, third in League One, should have enough in the tank to beat Northampton and Swindon, improving by the week, cannot be discounted at Harrogate in League Two. High-flying York, of the National League, look an away banker at rock bottom Ebbsfleet.

Homes sweet homes: Struggling Cardiff gave a gutsy display to knock Stoke out of the FA Cup last Saturday. A repeat of that spirit will see them defeat Bristol City in the Championship. Hull, like Cardiff, are among the Championship also-rans but they are worth backing against Norwich, who seem capable of losing to anybody. Middlesbrough, although inconsistent, are in better nick than their visitors Watford, who crashed 4-0 at home to Leeds in midweek and continue to slide down the Championship table.

Pools tips and best football bets for weekend of February 8-9

 Ten draws: Brighton v Chelsea, Everton v Bournemouth, Preston v Wycombe, Charlton v Stevenage, Huddersfield v Reading, Barrow v Gillingham, Colchester v Walsall, Fleetwood v Cheltenham, Swindon v Port Vale, Clyde v Stranraer.

Five best draws: Everton v Bournemouth, Preston v Wycombe, Charlton v Stevenage, Colchester v Walsall, Swindon v Port Vale.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Newcastle, Wolves, Fulham, Wimbledon, Southend, Gateshead. Ten homes: Leeds, Southampton, Stoke, Sunderland, Bolton, Stockport, Bradford City, Crewe, MK Dons, Notts County. 

Pick of the draws: Everton have been transformed since the return of David Moyes as manager and can take their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Bournemouth into extra time. Bournemouth are no slouches themselves, as they have shown against Newcastle (won 4-1 away) and Nottingham Forest (won 5-0 at home) recently. In the same competition, Wycombe, League One promotion contenders, won't be fazed by a trip to Preston, Championship draw specialists. Stevenage, with three successive League One victories behind them, will be aiming for at least a point at Charlton. League Two leaders Walsall have stumbled lately, unlike their hosts Colchester, who have run into form and are climbing the table. Swindon's outstanding 5-1 win at Carlisle last Saturday has put them in the mood to play Port Vale, who fill one of the play-off places. 

Away days: League Cup finalists Newcastle, seeking their first FA Cup triumph since 1955, should see off the challenge of League One leaders Birmingham. Because they are not involved in a desperate scramble for points this weekend, Wolves ought to be able to relax a bit more and I'm taking them to end Blackburn's interest in the FA Cup. Fulham have been good travellers this season, which should serve them well when they visit Wigan, of League One, on Saturday. Wimbledon, among the favourites to gain promotion from League Two, are recommended at lowly Accrington. In the National League, Southend are worth backing at relegation-threatened Maidenhead, who were lucky to lose only 3-0 at Barnet two weeks ago. I fancy high-fliers Gateshead to collect all three points at struggling Wealdstone.

Homes sweet homes: Southampton, rock bottom of the Premier League, badly need an FA Cup run to improve morale and they have a chance to go further in the competition when they host Burnley, whose priority is promotion from the Championship. It may take a while for Cardiff to forget the 7-0 battering they received at Leeds in the Championship last weekend. That's one reason why I believe Stoke, 2-1 winners at Hull last Saturday, will beat them and book their place in the fifth round. Stockport, fourth in League One and convincing 1-0 victors at Leyton Orient last Saturday, have regained their balance after a few falls and I'm confident they will cope with fast-fading Barnsley. 

Pools info: Mansfield v Northampton (No.23 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void. A void match is worth two points.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of February 1-2

 Ten draws: Bournemouth v Liverpool, Wolves v Aston Villa, Oxford v Bristol City, Watford v Norwich, Reading v Bolton, Wigan v Lincoln, Wimbledon v Bradford City, Cheltenham v Chesterfield, Morecambe v Fleetwood, Dundee v Hearts.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Liverpool, Oxford v Bristol City, Watford v Norwich, Reading v Bolton, Wimbledon v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Sheffield United, West Bromwich, Swindon, Crewe, Celtic, Ayr.

Ten homes: Brentford, Ipswich, Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Stevenage, Port Vale, Rangers, St Mirren.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth, with nine goals in their past two Premier League games, must have a chance of halting Liverpool's march to the title. The stylish manner of Bournemouth's wins over Newcastle (4-1, away) and Nottingham Forest (5-0, home) cannot be ignored and makes them contenders for European football next season. Oxford United and Bristol City, who play each other, are doing better than expected in the Championship and neither may come out on top. Watford will want to halt their slide but won't find it easy against Norwich, who hit Swansea for five at Carrow Road last weekend. Consecutive away losses at Leyton Orient (2-0) and Burton (3-2) in League One have dampened Reading's spirits and they need to stop the rot against Bolton, who have climbed into the play-off positions despite being without a manager. Wimbledon and Bradford City, two in-form sides, are among the many front-runners in League Two and I think they'll deny each other two points on Saturday. 

Away days: Sheffield United, second in the Championship, have the character to recover from last Friday's shock 3-0 home defeat by relegation-haunted Hull and I've a feeling that their hosts, fast-fading Derby, will suffer. West Brom, the division's draw specialists, finally cut loose by beating Portsmouth 5-1 at home last Saturday. Pompey showed minimal resistance and I doubt whether bottom club Plymouth will do much better. Veteran manager Ian Holloway has made a positive difference at Swindon, who are quickly climbing League Two and fancied to make it four wins in a row at second bottom Carlisle. Promotion-seeking Crewe have lost only three away fixtures, which should help them at Harrogate, who are poor at home. Celtic the runaway Scottish Premiership  leaders, are odds-on to triumph at Motherwell, who are in a slump. Ayr, second in the Scottish Championship and going well, are recommended at Hamilton, who crashed 3-0 at home to Raith in midweek.

Homes sweet homes: After chastening defeats against Manchester City (6-0, home) and Liverpool (4-1, away), Ipswich, in a Premier League relegation dogfight, will welcome a home match against seemingly doomed Southampton on Saturday. They will surely make the most of it. Shrewsbury, although at the foot of League One, are well worth a punt against mid-table Mansfield, who can't do anything right at the moment. Stevenage, with two unexpected away victories at Barnsley (1-0) and Wrexham (3-2) under their belt, will be in a positive frame of mind against faltering Exeter.

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Chesterfield v Port Vale (1-1), MK Dons v Wimbledon (0-0) and Tranmere v Gillingham (1-1).  

 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of Jan 25-26

Ten draws: Norwich v Swansea, Preston v Middlesbrough, Exeter v Blackpool, Bradford City v Walsall, Cheltenham v Salford, Chesterfield v Port Vale, MK Dons v Wimbledon, Tranmere v Gillingham, Aberdeen v St Mirren, St Johnstone v Motherwell.

Best draws: Bradford City v Walsall, Cheltenham v Salford, Chesterfield v Port Vale, MK Dons v Wimbledon, Tranmere v Gillingham.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Rotherham, Grimsby, Hibernian, Peterhead, York. 

Ten homes:  Bournemouth, Brighton, Tottenham, Sunderland, Stockport, Wycombe, Doncaster, Notts County, Airdrieonians, Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Walsall, the runaway League Two leaders, have won nine consecutive league games. They have to slip up sometime and I think they will at Bradford City, who are steadily improving and just outside the play-off positions. Salford's 2-0 home defeat by Fleetwood last Saturday was unexpected but I think they will recover sufficiently to force parity at Cheltenham. Third-placed Port Vale's 3-2 home win over Newport will have restored some confidence and they appear on course for a point at Chesterfield. MK Dons and Wimbledon can't stand each other. This could be a bad-tempered affair and I wouldn't put money on either emerging victorious. Tranmere v Gillingham features two sides who are woefully out of form. Tranmere, third from bottom of League Two, need the points more but I can't see them getting more than one. 

Away days: After faltering at home against Aston Villa last Saturday, Arsenal know that nothing less than three points at Wolves will do if they are to stay in the Premier League title race. Wolves, who are just outside the drop zone, have lost their last three league matches after rallying briefly and will be apprehensive about this fixture. Rotherham, of League One, are on a roll and are recommended at Burton, despite the lowly hosts winning 2-1 at Wigan in midweek. Although League Two Grimsby have done nothing special recently, they are in better shape than their hosts Barrow, who keep sliding down the table. I fancy Hibernian, of the Scottish Premiership, to gain maximum points at Ross County, who were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Championship team Livingston last weekend. Peterhead, striving for promotion in Scottish League Two, should see off Spartans and York, among the front runners in the National League, ought to overcome struggling Boston. 

Homes sweet homes: Bournemouth must think the sky's the limit after their stunning 4-1 success at Newcastle last Saturday - the outstanding result of the weekend. As Bournemouth have already beaten Arsenal and Manchester City at home in the Premier League this season, they are well worth a punt against third-placed Nottingham Forest, who have also exceeded expectations. Neither Tottenham nor Leicester, who face each another on Sunday, can buy a league win at the moment. Home advantage will probably be important here, which is why I'm siding with Spurs. Although Airdrieonians look doomed to be relegated from the Scottish Championship, they have a chance to record only their second league victory of the season against Dunfermline, who are just one place above them.  

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of January 18-19

 Ten draws: Everton v Tottenham, Newcastle v Bournemouth, Coventry v Bristol City, Derby v Watford, West Bromwich v Stoke, Mansfield v Wycombe, Reading v Stockport, Rotherham v Charlton, Grimsby v Chesterfield, Ross v Livingston.

Best draws: Newcastle v Bournemouth, Coventry v Bristol City, Mansfield v Wycombe, Reading v Stockport, Ross v Livingston.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Barnsley, Wigan, Notts County, Bradford City, Crewe, Motherwell. Ten homes: Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Luton, Millwall, Birmingham, Port Vale, Salford, Swindon, Woking.

Pick of the draws: Bournemouth look capable of playing European football next season. They were seconds away from winning at Chelsea in midweek and it won't surprise me if they avoid defeat at Newcastle, even though the hosts have won their last nine matches. Coventry, of the Championship, have yet to benefit from the appointment of Frank Lampard as manager and won't find the better-placed Bristol City easy opponents. Wycombe, second in League One, have lost their manager to Luton at the most inappropriate time. They visit Mansfield, who are also feeling low after losing 2-0 at home to Wigan in the FA Cup third round. Reading have not drawn at home this season. That may change when they face Stockport, who are just behind them in League One and went out of the FA Cup with honour against Premier League Crystal Palace last Sunday. There's no reason for Livingston, third in the Scottish Championship, to be fearful of a trip to Ross County, who are struggling in the Scottish Premiership and in danger of bowing out of the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Away days: Barnsley, fifth in League One, are worth backing when they are away from home and look a good bet at lowly Bristol Rovers. Wigan, having won at Mansfield in the FA Cup in midweek, will feel confident going to Stevenage, who have scored only 18 goals in 23 games. League Two seems the most likely section for away wins. Free-scoring Notts County are recommended at Accrington and Bradford City should boost their promotion prospects by beating Carlisle, who are bottom. Second-placed Crewe will be disappointed not to gain maximum points at second-from-bottom Morecambe. I expect Motherwell to add to St Johnstone's pain in the Scottish Cup. 

Homes sweet homes: Leicester, fighting relegation from the Premier League, found some form in the FA Cup by thrashing Queens Park Rangers, of the Championship, 6-2 at home last weekend. They are worth a punt against Fulham on Saturday. Crisis club Luton appointed the much sought-after Matt Bloomfield as manager and I predict he will start his career at Kenilworth Road with a win over Preston in the Championship. Swindon, who are close to the League Two relegation zone, had much the better of their home goalless draw against promotion-seeking Crewe last Saturday and I fancy them to get the better of Barrow, who are five places higher.

Betting info: I scored five out of seven with my home selections last weekend. Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Southampton and Walsall obliged for me. Three matches were postponed.

 

 

Pools tips for weekend of January 11-12

 Ten draws: Bristol City v Wolves, Middlesbrough v Blackburn, Preston v Charlton, Reading v Burnley, Sunderland v Stoke, Wimbledon v Cheltenham, Gillingham v Fleetwood, Grimsby v Notts County, Aberdeen v Hearts, Annan v Inverness/

Best draws: Bristol City v Wolves, Preston v Charlton, Reading v Burnley, Sunderland v Stoke, Gillingham v Fleetwood.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Oxford, Barnsley, Bolton, Huddersfield, MK Dons, Crewe. Ten homes: Bournemouth, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Leyton Orient, Norwich, Southampton, Port Vale, Walsall, Barnet.

Pick of the draws: Wolves, fighting relegation, lost 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Monday. On Saturday they face a tricky FA Cup third-round tie at Championship team Bristol City, who often deliver the goods at home. Preston, mid-table in the Championship, have drawn on 12 occasions this season and I've a feeling they'll have to settle for another stalemate after 90 minutes against League One Charlton, who are improving. Reading, in the hunt for promotion from League One, host Championship promotion contenders Burnley, who have let in only nine league goals this season. This has all the making of a tight affair. Stoke have not conceded in the Championship since Mark Robins was appointed manager and it won't surprise me if they force extra time in their visit to high-flying Sunderland. Gillingham, of League Two, have sacked manager Mark Bonner after their slump and could be held by Fleetwood, who are three points behind them.

Away days: New Oxford manager Gary Rowett has wasted no time in galvanising the Championship side and I expect them to reach the FA Cup fourth round at the expense of Exeter, from League One. Barnsley's fine away record is the main reason they are in the League One play-off positions and I believe they will continue their good form on the road at Northampton. Goals in the closing minutes earned Bolton a creditable 2-1 victory at Exeter last Saturday and they can also succeed at Rotherham. Huddersfield extended their long unbeaten record to 15 matches by beating second-placed Wycombe 1-0 away in midweek and they are recommended at Shrewsbury, who are third from bottom. MK Dons, of League Two, seem more comfortable away and will travel to struggling Carlisle with confidence. Consecutive home wins over Carlisle (3-2) and Bromley (4-1) have put promotion contenders Crewe in great heart for their trip to Swindon, who are too close to the drop zone for comfort.

Homes sweet homes: Leyton Orient, climbing quickly in League One, have a fair chance of causing an FA Cup third-round upset when they host Derby, who are toiling in the Championship. Norwich, mid-table in the second tier, are worth a wager against Brighton, who are eight games without a win in the Premier League. Southampton, rock bottom in the top flight, should be able to relax a bit more in the FA Cup and can go through against Championship team Swansea.

Pools info: Hamilton v Partick (No.45 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday night and is therefore void. A void match is worth two points. 

 

Pools tips for weekend of January 4-5

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Leicester, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Blackburn v Burnley, Stoke v Plymouth, Watford v Sheffield United, Charlton v Reading, Lincoln v Stevenage, Bradford City v Grimsby, Cheltenham v Walsall, MK Dons v Salford.

Best draws: Aston Villa v Leicester, Crystal Palace v Chelsea, Blackburn v Burnley, Watford v Sheffield United, Charlton v Reading.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Brentford, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, Dundee. 

Ten homes: Bournemouth, Liverpool, Manchester City, Sunderland, Barnsley, Cambridge, Leyton Orient, Wrexham, Colchester, Doncaster.

Pick of the draws: Relegation-threatened Leicester were unlucky to lose 2-0 at home to Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend and will feel they have a chance at Aston Villa, who are not living up to their early-season promise. Chelsea's form has dipped recently with defeats by Fulham (2-1, home) and Ipswich (2-0, away), whereas their lowly hosts, Crystal Palace, are now playing better. There's no love lost between Blackburn and Burnley in the Championship. These bitter Lancashire rivals are in the vanguard for promotion to the top flight and I think they will cancel each other out. Consecutive defeats against Cardiff (home) and Queens Park Rangers (away) have halted Watford's progress and they will be determined to make amends against high-flying Sheffield United, who also flopped over Christmas. Charlton v Reading is a clash between on-form League One sides with promotion aspirations and possibly the most likely three-pointer on the coupon.

Away days: Second-placed Arsenal will not let up in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool and maximum points at Brighton on Saturday should just about keep them in contention. Brentford have a great opportunity to improve their dismal away record when they visit rock-bottom Southampton. It's hard to back against fast-climbing Newcastle at the moment and they must be confident going to Tottenham, who are moving in the opposite direction. Leeds, the Championship leaders, will surely be too strong for struggling Hull. Birmingham, top of League One, paid the price for fielding a weakened team in their home goalless draw with Blackpool last Sunday. I can't see the manager making the same mistake at Wigan, where the Midlanders ought to collect three points. Dundee, who won 2-1 at St Mirren in their previous away game in the Scottish Premiership, will fancy themselves at St Johnstone, who are bottom.

Homes sweet homes: Although Cambridge are in the League One relegation zone, they are in better shape than their visitors Bristol Rovers, who are just outside it. Colchester's revival in League Two has not gone unnoticed and I expect their improvement to continue against Accrington, who are desperately trying to avoid the drop. I'm also tipping Doncaster to overcome fellow promotion contenders Port Vale, who have suddenly hit the wall. 

Pools info: Three of my five best draws were correct last weekend: Coventry v Millwall, Colchester v Doncaster and MK Dons v Crewe.