Pools tips for this weekend April 21-22

Ten draws: Aston Villa v Sunderland, Fulham v Wigan, Brighton v Birmingham, Ipswich v Millwall, Peterborough v Watford, MK Dons v Sheffield United, AFC Wimbledon v Torquay, Gillingham v Swindon, Plymouth v Oxford, Port Vale v Bristol Rovers.


Best draws: Fulham v Wigan, Ipswich v Millwall, MK Dons v Sheffield United, Gillingham v Swindon, Plymouth v Oxford.


Five aways: Norwich, Southampton, Preston, Shrewsbury, Crawley.


Nine homes: Manchester United, Newcastle, Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City, Coventry, Portsmouth, Charlton, Notts County, Crewe.


Pick of the draws: I expect Wigan's astonishing revival to continue at Fulham, where they look good for at least a point. After beating Manchester United and Arsenal a trip to Craven Cottage should hold no fears. Millwall's away form has kept them in the Championship and I'm tipping them to hold underperforming Ipswich. Sheffield United's winning run in League One could be halted by MK Dons, who look assured of a play-off place. In League Two, promotion-bound Swindon may have their work cut out at Gillingham, who are a match for anybody on their day. At the other end of the table a draw will edge Plymouth nearer safety and I believe they will get it against play-off contenders Oxford. 


Away days: Wigan's unexpected win at Arsenal has made Blackburn odds-on to be relegated from the Premier League. Morale must be low and I'll be surprised if Norwich don't take advantage. Southampton will clinch promotion to the Premier with victory at Middlesbrough, whose own hopes of going up are fast fading. Preston beat Sheffield Wednesday in League One last weekend and are worth a punt at Oldham, who have lost more at home than they've won. Shrewsbury and Crawley, striving for promotion from League Two and playing well, look good for three points at Accrington and Dagenham & Redbridge respectively. 


Homes sweet homes: Queens Park Rangers, battling for Premier League survival, have won their last three home games and will fancy their chances against Tottenham, who are woefully off-form and struggling to stay in the top four. Coventry and Portsmouth must win to have any chance of avoiding relegation from the Championship. I think they'll manage it against respectively Doncaster, who are already down, and Derby, who have little to play for. Crewe have not lost since mid-February in League Two and are worth supporting against Cheltenham, who are also competing for a play-off place. 

Pools tips for this weekend April 14-15

The void matches this weekend are Southampton v Reading (No 10 on coupon), Barnet v Hereford (24) and Fleetwood v Lincoln (35). Replacing Fleetwood in my home selections is Wrexham.


Ten draws: Watford v Hull, Bury v Bournemouth, Carlisle v Charlton, Rochdale v Exeter, Wycombe v Oldham, Bristol Rovers v Burton, Morecambe v Port Vale, Oxford v Gillingham, Torquay v Southend, Elgin v Annan.


Best draws: Bury v Bournemouth, Bristol Rovers v Burton, Morecambe v Port Vale, Torquay v Southend, Elgin v Annan.


Five aways: Cardiff, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe, Luton.


Nine homes: Burnley, Derby, Leeds, Brentford, Preston, Swindon, Kidderminster, Wrexham, York.


Pick of the draws: Although Bury are struggling in League One, they have won their last two home games, form which should be good enough to see them gain a point against Bournemouth. Burton have at last halted their slide down League Two and I expect them to share the spoils at Bristol Rovers. Morecambe's poor home results have held them back this season and I believe Port Vale will be the latest team to deny them. Nobody in League Two has a better away record than Southend, who can hold their promotion rivals Torquay. Elgin's home form has dipped in the Scottish third division and Annan can take advantage.


Away days: The season can't end quickly enough for Barnsley and Championship play-off hopefuls Cardiff should be too strong for them. Crystal Palace are in a similar slump and this is a good opportunity for Ipswich to continue climbing the table. Sheffield Wednesday are in a battle royal with Sheffield United for automatic promotion to the Championship and are a confident selection at mid-table Colchester. Crewe are a good bet to extend their long unbeaten run in League Two at Macclesfield, who occupy one of the two relegation slots. Luton will be anxious to make up lost ground in the Blue Square Premier promotion race and are fancied against Alfreton.


Homes sweet homes: Middlesbrough are higher than Derby in the Championship but Derby are playing better and are worth backing. If Neil Warnock's Leeds can keep 11 players on the field  - no easy task if recent games are anything to go by - they should see off Peterborough. In League One a revitalised Brentford could get the better of Notts County, who are two places above them. Preston have had their problems recently but they may be worth a flutter against Huddersfield, who appear to have resigned themselves to a play-off place - again.

Pools tips for this weekend April 7-8

Try to steer clear of the void matches this Easter weekend. The following matches are void: Swansea v Newcastle, Barnsley v West Ham, Reading v Leeds, Aldershot v Port Vale and Bristol Rovers v Gillingham.


Ten draws: Bolton v Fulham, Sunderland v Tottenham, West Brom v Blackburn, Derby v Ipswich, Millwall v Hull, Raith v Hamilton, Cowdenbeath v Arbroath, Forfar v East Fife, Stenhousemuir v Airdrie, Annan v Berwick.


Best draws: Sunderland v Tottenham, West Brom v Blackburn, Derby v Ipswich, Cowdenbeath v Arbroath, Annan v Berwick.


Five aways: Everton, Charlton, MK Dons, Hearts, Partick.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Brentford, York, Dundee.


Pick of the draws: Tottenham's Premier League blip seems to be over but they may struggle to gain more than a point at Sunderland, who have been transformed since Martin O'Neill took over. Relegation-threatened Blackburn gave a good account of themselves despite losing against Manchester United on Monday and will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat at West Brom, who have little to play for. Derby v Ipswich looks one of the best draws on the coupon - two middle-of-the-table Championship teams who should have done better. I'm taking Arbroath, second in the Scottish second division, to put a dent in the fine home record of leaders Cowdenbeath while in the Scottish third division, away specialists Berwick can hold the side who are one place and four points above them - Annan.


Away days: On-form Everton can make it three away wins in a row when they visit Norwich, who have slightly tailed off. League One leaders Charlton are confidently predicted to take maximum points at Oldham and MK Dons are expected to take advantage of the turmoil and strife at Preston. Bottom club Dunfermline cannot buy a win at home in the Scottish Premier League and I cannot see Hearts giving them any encouragement. In the Scottish first division, Partick seem a decent bet to increase Ayr's relegation worries.


Homes sweet homes: Manchester City's title challenge continues to falter and Arsenal, eager to make up for last weekend's lapse against Queens Park Rangers, will be in no mood to let them off the hook. Coventry are out of the Championship relegation zone for the first time in months and I believe they will move nearer safety by beating inconsistent Peterborough. Although Blue Square Premier leaders Fleetwood have registered an incredible 17 away victories this season they may be worth opposing at York, who have climbed into the play-off places and defeated fellow contenders Luton last Friday. Dundee, second in the Scottish first division, have come on strong recently and should be backed against Falkirk, who lie just behind them.

Pools tips for this weekend March 31-April 1

Ten draws: Fulham v Norwich, Wolves v Bolton, Blackpool v Southampton, West Ham v Reading, Exeter v Colchester, MK Dons v Brentford, Accrington v AFC Wimbledon, Port Vale v Dagenham & Redbridge, St Mirren v Kilmarnock, Queen of the South v Ayr.


Best draws: Fulham v Norwich, West Ham v Reading, MK Dons v Brentford, Accrington v AFC Wimbledon, Port Vale v Dagenham & Redbridge.


Five aways: Chelsea, Arsenal, Leicester, Tranmere, Crawley.


Nine homes: Everton, Wigan, Ipswich, Portsmouth, Carlisle, Notts County, Crewe, Gillingham, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: Fulham have lost their last three matches and may struggle to overcome Norwich, who have adapted so well to the Premier League. Reading are looking a more likely bet for automatic promotion from the Championship than West Ham. The two play each other on Saturday at Upton Park, where West Ham have dropped a lot of points. In League One, Brentford are on the march again after an indifferent spell and will feel confident of getting something from their trip to MK Dons. In League Two, I expect AFC Wimbledon to confirm their improvement by holding Accrington and Dagenham & Redbridge to gain a valuable point at Port Vale in their fight to avoid relegation.


Away days: Chelsea's Champions League win at Benfica will be a huge boost to their morale and ailing Aston Villa don't look capable of stopping them. Arsenal are determined to finish the season with a flourish and must be fancied to make it eight consecutive Premier League victories when they go to relegation-threatened QPR. Leicester are due a good away result and may get one at Peterborough, who are not completely safe from the Championship drop. The League One form team, Tranmere, are as good an away bet as any at Bury, who have declined alarmingly. Crawley are back on song in League Two and will surely defeat managerless Burton.


Homes sweet homes: Wigan must start winning at home if they are to escape relegation from the Premier League. I believe last Saturday's victory at Anfield will give them the confidence to prevail against Stoke. Portsmouth are making a spirited effort to stay in the Championship and should be backed against Burnley, who are dropping down the table. Carlisle strengthened their hold on the League One play-off positions with a fine win at MK Dons and are worth a punt against higher-placed Huddersfield. The same can be said for Plymouth, who lie 22nd in League Two but are showing much better form than the side they play on Saturday - Bradford City, who are 19th. 

Pools tips for this weekend March 24-25

Ten draws: Chelsea v Tottenham, Stoke v Manchester City, Derby v Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest v Brighton, Wycombe v MK Dons, Dagenham & Redbridge v Accrington, Morecambe v Shrewsbury, Northampton v Plymouth, St Johnstone v Hearts, Ayr v Morton.


Best draws: Derby v Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest v Brighton, Wycombe v MK Dons, Dagenham & Redbridge v Accrington, Morecambe v Shrewsbury.


Five aways: Peterborough, Carlisle, Sheffield Wednesday, Gillingham, Crewe.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Norwich, Sunderland, Swansea, Leicester, Preston, Tranmere, Yeovil, AFC Wimbledon.


Pick of the draws: Crystal Palace give very little away in the Championship and Derby will struggle to penetrate their defence. Nottingham Forest will be up for it after a remarkable 7-3 victory at Leeds but they will probably find it tougher against Brighton, who have moved into the play-off places. Two consecutive away wins in League One should enable lowly Wycombe to share the spoils with MK Dons, who have enjoyed some good results themselves. Mid-table Accrington have drawn 11 away games in League Two. I recommend a punt on them making it 12 at Dagenham & Redbridge, who are battling against relegation. Morecambe have run into form and I'm taking them to deny promotion-seeking Shrewsbury a much-needed victory.


Away days: If Peterborough can beat red-hot Reading they must be fancied against Barnsley, who are woefully out of form in the Championship. In League One I'm taking Carlisle to prevail at Colchester, who failed to overcome 10-man Stevenage, and promotion contenders Sheffield Wednesday to increase Leyton Orient's worries at the wrong end of the table. Bradford are only four points away from the League Two relegation zone and I think Gillingham will add to their anxiety. On-form Crewe can strengthen their play-off hopes with three points at struggling Hereford. 


Homes sweet homes: Swansea's quality in the Premier League has impressed everybody and I doubt whether Everton can halt their progress. In the Championship, Leicester manager Nigel Pearson will be eager to get the better of his former club Hull, who are surprisingly higher in the table. Yeovil have moved well away from the League One relegation zone and will be confident of defeating Hartlepool. Burton are in freefall in League Two, so AFC Wimbledon are looking good for maximum points.

Pools tips for this weekend March 17-18

Ten draws: Portsmouth v Bristol City, Exeter v Preston, Bristol Rovers v AFC Wimbledon, Burton v Torquay, Nuneaton v Hyde, Eastleigh v Dover, Sutton v Chelmsford, Woking v Welling, Airdrie v Forfar, Berwick v Queen's Park.


Best draws: Portsmouth v Bristol City, Bristol Rovers v AFC Wimbledon, Burton v Torquay, Sutton v Chelmsford, Woking v Welling.


Five aways: Reading, Carlisle, Southend, Bishop's Stortford, Dundee.


Nine homes: Ipswich, Colchester, Rochdale, Accrington, Aldershot, Barnet, Forest Green, Southport, FC Halifax.


Pick of the draws: Bottom club Portsmouth seem resigned to relegation from the Championship after their 10-point deduction, which should allow Bristol City, in danger of going down themselves, to escape from Fratton Park with a point. In League Two, AFC Wimbledon have acquitted themselves well on their travels and a visit to Bristol Rovers should hold no fears. Burton have been in freefall but I have a hunch they will stop the rot by holding Torquay. Sutton (4th) and Chelmsford (5th) are very evenly matched in the Blue Square Bet South and I cannot separate them. Woking are clear leaders in this division but if any team can hold them it's Welling, who are also in the promotion mix.


Away days: The claims of Reading, eight wins and a draw from their last nine games in the Championship, cannot be ignored at Barnsley, especially as the hosts have hit a rocky patch. League One play-off contenders Carlisle look a good thing at ailing Bournemouth and in League Two I expect Southend to return to winning ways at Hereford, who have already lost 11 times at home. Bishop's Stortford can confirm their improvement in the Blue Square Bet North by prevailing at Workington while in the Scottish first division Dundee's fine away record should stand them in good stead at Morton.


Homes sweet homes: Colchester won 2-0 at runaway leaders Charlton recently, so they are capable of upsetting Huddersfield, whose attempt at automatic promotion from League One is stalling. Bottom club Rochdale gained a deserved point in a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield last weekend and are worth a punt against inconsistent, mid-table Oldham. Aldershot, winners of their last four at home in League Two, have an excellent chance of making it five against Bradford City, who struggle to string good results together. Barnet are sliding dangerously close to the relegation zone, so they will be eager to avenge last season's home defeat by Morecambe. 

Pools tips for this weekend March 10-11

Ten draws: Bolton v QPR, Wolves v Blackburn, Bristol City v Cardiff, Burnley v Crystal Palace, Hull v Ipswich, Brentford v Sheff Utd, Tranmere v Leyton Orient, Gillingham v Crewe, Macclesfield v Crawley, Northampton v Aldershot.

Best draws: Wolves v Blackburn, Bristol City v Cardiff, Burnley v Crystal Palace, Brentford v Sheff Utd, Macclesfield v Crawley.

Five aways: Fulham, Liverpool, Blackpool, Scunthorpe, Oxford.

Nine homes: Chelsea, Everton, Man Utd, Norwich, Brighton, Derby, Southampton, Carlisle, Walsall.

Pick of the draws: Wolves and Blackburn are struggling to stay in the Premier League and wondering where their next win is coming from. After their heroic defeat in the Carling Cup final, Cardiff looked flat when they were beaten by West Ham last weekend and may struggle to overcome Bristol City. Crystal Palace are the draw specialists of the Championship and another one is on the cards when they visit Burnley. Promotion-seeking Sheffield United have been hindered by two consecutive defeats in League One and will be eager to avoid another loss against Brentford. Crawley have stumbled in League Two recently and Macclesfield, battling against relegation, could frustrate them.

Away days: Fulham have climbed into the top half of the Premier League and I'm taking them to continue their improvement at Aston Villa. Liverpool were unlucky to lose against Arsenal last weekend and are a good bet to take it out on Sunderland. I believe Blackpool will recover from their midweek setback at Derby in the Championship and prevail at Peterborough. Scunthorpe have hit form in League One and are worth a punt at goal-shy Preston. League Two play-off candidates Oxford, fresh from their victory over leaders Swindon, look a good thing at underperforming Bradford City.

Homes sweet homes: Teams often get an immediate lift when an unpopular manager departs and I believe Chelsea, for the first time in weeks, will be in the right frame of mind against Stoke. Everton are playing much better and could take advantage of Tottenham's recent setbacks. I'm taking Derby, on the back of two good recent results in the Championship, to send Watford home pointless. Walsall have moved clear of the League One relegation zone and can surprise Hartlepool.

Pools tips for this weekend March 3-4

Ten draws: Liverpool v Arsenal, Newcastle v Sunderland, Stoke v Norwich, Leeds v Southampton, Watford v Burnley, Exeter v Stevenage, Hartlepool v MK Dons, Accrington v Port Vale, Crewe v Shrewsbury, Kilmarnock v St Johnstone.


Best draws: Newcastle v Sunderland, Stoke v Norwich, Leeds v Southampton, Crewe v Shrewsbury, Kilmarnock v St Johnstone.


Five aways: Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Wycombe.


Nine homes: Manchester City, Birmingham, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Leicester, Portsmouth, Notts County, Yeovil, Aldershot.


Pick of the draws: Sunderland's heavy defeat at West Brom in the Premier League last Saturday was probably just a blip and they can nick a point at Newcastle, despite being 10 points behind them. Norwich were unlucky to lose to Manchester United and look good for at least a draw at Stoke. Championship team Southampton are on course for a second successive promotion but I believe they will be held by Leeds, who should benefit from Neil Warnock's managership. The League Two match at fast-improving Crewe, where promotion-seeking Shrewsbury are the visitors, stands out as one of the most likely draws of the weekend while in the Scottish Premier League I am backing St Johnstone to continue their fine away form at Kilmarnock.


Away days: Manchester United look a good thing at Tottenham, who may be reeling after crashing 5-2 at Arsenal. Nottingham Forest's shock win at Birmingham in the Championship will surely encourage them to collect maximum points at Barnsley. I think Reading will confirm their promotion credentials by beating Millwall. In League One, Gary Megson's high-flying Sheffield Wednesday ought to be too strong for lowly Rochdale and I've a hunch struggling Wycombe will break their run of away defeats by prevailing at Scunthorpe, who are feeble at home.


Homes sweet homes:  Cash-strapped and relegation-threatened Portsmouth are worth a punt against Middlesbrough, who have been unconvincing lately. Notts County are thriving under Keith Curle's managership in League One and can see off Carlisle. Yeovil's home form has particularly improved, as Brentford may find to their cost, while in League Two, Aldershot are on a roll and must be fancied to send Morecambe home pointless.   

Pools tips for this weekend February 25-26

Ten draws: West Brom v Sunderland, Brighton v Ipswich, Coventry v Barnsley, Middlesbrough v Reading, Bournemouth v MK Dons, Bury v Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe v Brentford, Gillingham v Torquay, Northampton v Port Vale, Hearts v Dundee United.


Best draws: West Brom v Sunderland, Middlesbrough v Reading, Bournemouth v MK Dons, Gillingham v Torquay, Hearts v Dundee United.


Five aways: Peterborough, Leeds, Southampton, Tranmere, Southend.


Nine homes: Newcastle, Queens Park Rangers, Wigan, Birmingham, Charlton, Cheltenham, Oxford, Plymouth, Shrewsbury.


Pick of the draws: Both West Brom and Sunderland have uplifting victories behind them; West Brom won 5-1 at Wolves and Sunderland knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup. Deadlock is likely. Middlesbrough have drawn eight of their home matches in the Championship. I can see them making it nine against Reading - another side in promotion contention. Bournemouth's home record is nothing to write home about in League One but they can gain a point against MK Dons. I have a hunch that Gillingham will halt their League Two slide against promotion-seeking Torquay while Dundee United can confirm their improvement in the Scottish Premier League by sharing the spoils at Hearts.


Away days: Peterborough played well to beat Bristol City 3-0 in the Championship last Saturday and I think they'll prevail again - this time at bottom club Doncaster. I expect Leeds, under new manager Neil Warnock, to pile on the misery for Portsmouth, whose 10-point deduction has dropped them into the relegation zone. Second-placed Southampton seem to be over their blip and should be backed at Watford. In League One, Tranmere can take advantage of Oldham's fragility while in League Two Southend should bounce back to winning ways against Morecambe.


Homes sweet homes: Bobby Zamora, the Queens Park Rangers forward, and Mark Hughes, the QPR manager, will be keen to put one over their old club when Fulham come visiting in the Premier League. Wigan are again making a spirited attempt to avoid relegation, so don't be surprised if they defeat an uninspiring Aston Villa. Plymouth's form is the best of the relegation-threatened clubs in League Two and they should be backed against ailing Dagenham & Redbridge. Shrewsbury have not lost at home this season. I believe they will maintain that record against their promotion rivals Crawley. 

Pools tips for this weekend February 18-19

Ten draws: Norwich v Leicester, Ipswich v Cardiff, Peterborough v Bristol City, Barnet v Shrewsbury, Bristol Rovers v Oxford, Burton v Rotherham, Hamilton v Falkirk, Arbroath v Cowdenbeath, Stirling v Brechin, Elgin v Alloa.

Best draws: Norwich v Leicester, Barnet v Shrewsbury, Burton v Rotherham, Arbroath v Cowdenbeath, Elgin v Alloa.

Five aways: Stoke, Tottenham, Coventry, Notts County, Swindon.

Nine homes: Leeds, Exeter, Leyton Orient, Yeovil, Accrington, Dundee United, Dunfermline, Rangers, Livingston.

Pick of the draws: If there is to be an upset in this weekend's FA Cup fifth round ties, I feel it may be at Norwich, where Leicester are the visitors. Leicester, who are mid-table in the Championship, are capable of better, as they showed when beating promotion contenders Southampton and Cardiff recently, and can force a replay. League Two high-flyers Shrewsbury are not the same force away and I think an improving Barnet side will hold them at Underhill. Rotherham's return to form will encourage them to believe they can get a point at Burton. In the Scottish second division, second-placed Arbroath are one of the few teams who can deny leaders Cowdenbeath. Elgin's outstanding home record in the Scottish third division should serve them well against Alloa, who top the table.

Away days: Crawley's FA Cup heroics will probably be ended by Stoke, who need a good result to offset recent setbacks in the Premier League. The rise and rise of Stevenage has been one of the success stories of the season but it is impossible to back against Tottenham at the moment. Harry Redknapp's side look a good bet to go all the way in the Cup. Coventry have a great chance of recording their first away victory in the Championship against struggling Nottingham Forest while in League One, Notts County are worth backing at Hartlepool, who regularly flop at home. Swindon are fancied to continue their winning streak in League Two at Hereford.

Homes sweet homes: If lowly Exeter can beat Sheffield Wednesday on merit then they can surely prevail against mid-table Bury in League One. Leyton Orient's home form has been holding them back but I can't see them making any mistake against Scunthorpe. Yeovil are making a spirited attempt to avoid relegation and are worth supporting against Colchester. Bottom club Dunfermline have not managed a home win in the Scottish Premier League this season but I'm taking them to break their duck against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Pools tips for this weekend February 11-12

Ten draws: Blackburn v Queens Park Rangers, Sunderland v Arsenal, Swansea v Norwich, Leeds v Brighton, Millwall v Derby, Southampton v Burnley, Stevenage v Carlisle, Barnet v Swindon, Macclesfield v Plymouth, St Johnstone v Dundee United.


Best draws: Swansea v Norwich, Leeds v Brighton, Southampton v Burnley, Barnet v Swindon, Macclesfield v Plymouth.


Five aways: West Brom, Birmingham, Sheffield Wednesday, Notts County, Oxford.


Nine homes: Everton, Fulham, Manchester United, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Reading, MK Dons, Sheffield United.


Pick of the draws: Swansea and Norwich, who lie 10th and 9th respectively in the Premier League, and have adapted so well to life in the top flight, face each other at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday. I believe the game will be as close as their league positions. There is also little to choose between Leeds and Brighton, who both have 45 points in the Championship. Brighton manager Gus Poyet will be hoping to make a point in more ways than one on returning to his former club. Second-placed Southampton are wobbling and I expect Eddie Howe's improving Burnley side to gain their first away draw of the season. Promotion-chasing Swindon, from League Two, knocked Barnet out of the Johnstone Paints Trophy yesterday but they will find it tougher at Underhill, where visiting teams have come unstuck recently. Second-from-bottom Plymouth staged a terrific comeback to deny high-flying Southend last Saturday and they are well capable of collecting a point at Macclesfield, who are struggling.


Away days: West Bromwich Albion are far more comfortable away than at the Hawthorns and they can make that statistic count in the Black Country derby at Molineux, where Wolves have already lost seven matches. Chris Hughton's Birmingham are making a charge for automatic promotion to the Premier League and are a confident tip to prevail at Barnsley. I expect Sheffield Wednesday, second in League One, to bounce back from their FA Cup home defeat by Blackpool with victory at Exeter and for Notts County to increase Rochdale's relegation worries. League Two play-off contenders Oxford may be worth a punt at Accrington, who are without a manager.


Homes sweet homes: Don't be surprised if Everton dent Chelsea's hopes of Champions League football next season by beating them at Goodison Park. Everton have been strengthened by the signing of striker Nikica Jelavic from Rangers in the January transfer window and are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games. Chelsea's 3-3 draw against Manchester United last Sunday will feel more like a defeat, bearing in mind they relinquished a 3-0 lead. I'm taking Fulham to leapfrog Stoke, who have slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League. Manchester United will be eager for revenge against Liverpool, having fallen to them in the FA Cup, and should be inspired by that remarkable recovery at Stamford Bridge. Lowly Ipswich are on a roll in the Championship and a fair bet to see off Middlesbrough, who are going in the opposite direction.

Pools tips for this weekend February 4-5

Ten draws: Chelsea v Manchester United, Stoke v Sunderland, Brighton v Leicester, Bristol City v Leeds, Huddersfield v MK Dons, Preston v Brentford, Aldershot v Bristol Rovers, Crewe v Accrington, Morecambe v Dagenham & Redbridge, Rotherham v Torquay.

Best draws: Chelsea v Manchester United, Brighton v Leicester, Bristol City v Leeds, Preston v Brentford, Crewe v Accrington.

Five aways: Ipswich, Reading, Hartlepool, Sheffield United, Tranmere.

Nine homes: Arsenal, Newcastle, Birmingham, Burnley, Portsmouth, Watford, Notts County, Sheffield Wednesday, Cheltenham.

Pick of the draws: Chelsea are not convincing anybody at the moment, but the expected debut of their much-trumpeted signing from Bolton, England centre-half Gary Cahill, will surely strengthen them on Sunday and may halt the title march of Manchester United. A deserved 2-0 victory at promotion-chasing Southampton has given Leicester some momentum in the Championship and I'm taking them to gain a point at Brighton, who are in good form themselves. Leeds will be anxious to make amends for a heavy home defeat by Birmingham, but they won't find it easy at Bristol City, who have moved six points clear of the relegation zone. I suspect Preston will still be waiting for their first League One win under new manager Graham Westley after away specialists Brentford come visiting. In League Two, Accrington are a fair bet to draw for the 10th time on the road. Their hosts, Crewe, will be without their regular centre-backs, both suspended.

Away days: Ipswich's rout of Championship leaders West Ham was one of the upsets of the season and I believe they will carry on the good work at bottom club Coventry. Reading are one of the clubs in the play-off mix and should be too strong for struggling Doncaster. In League One, Hartlepool's fine away form will probably serve them well at Bury while Sheffield United are expected to enhance their promotion challenge with victory over Colchester. Tranmere were unlucky not to beat high-riding Huddersfield last Saturday, so don't be surprised if they take it out on relegation-threatened Wycombe.

Homes sweet homes: Birmingham are flying, both in the FA Cup and Championship, and are worth a punt against second-placed Southampton, who are faltering. Portsmouth's financial troubles don't seem to be affecting them on the field (a 3-0 win at Peterborough in the Championship last Saturday) and they can upset Hull's promotion chances. Watford deserved better against Tottenham in the FA Cup and will fancy their chances against Barnsley. In League One, Notts County will be looking to avenge their FA Cup defeat at Stevenage last weekend and will be quietly confident of turning the tables

Pools tips for this weekend January 28-29

Ten draws: West Brom v Norwich, Tranmere v Huddersfield, Yeovil v Preston, Accrington v Gillingham, Barnet v Crewe, Burton v Oxford, Ebbsfleet v Mansfield, Motherwell v St Johnstone, Brechin v Arbroath, Forfar v Dumbarton.

Best draws: Tranmere v Huddersfield, Yeovil v Preston, Barnet v Crewe, Motherwell v St Johnstone, Forfar v Dumbarton.

Five aways: Manchester United, Charlton, Carlisle, Fleetwood, Morton.

Nine homes: Derby, Hull, Sunderland, Brentford, Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Bristol Rovers, Gateshead, Luton.

Pick of the draws: Tranmere have drawn six of their League One home matches; Huddersfield have drawn seven away. I expect another stalemate on Saturday. Preston are having to adapt to the ways of a new manager in Graham Westley, formerly of Stevenage, and I cannot see them gaining more than a point at relegation-threatened Yeovil. There is little to separate Barnet, who have pulled eight points clear of the League Two drop zone, and Crewe, who have won four of their last five games. Motherwell are not the force they were earlier in the season in the Scottish Premier League and can be held by St Johnstone. Lowly Forfar beat the Scottish second division leaders Cowdenbeath last week and I'm backing them to frustrate Dumbarton.

Away days: Manchester United usually rise to the occasion and I believe they will do it again in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield, where Liverpool have stumbled on numerous occasions this season. Charlton, the runaway leaders of League One, will surely have too much for goal-shy Exeter. Carlisle, who sit just outside the play-off places, are well equipped to take advantage of Hartlepool's wretched home form. Blue Square Premier League leaders Fleetwood, with 12 away victories already this season, will feel confident travelling to mid-table Forest Green while in the Scottish first division Morton can inflict more pain on bottom club Queen of South.

Homes sweet homes: Take a punt on Derby, the in-form team of the Championship, to knock Premier League Stoke out of the FA Cup. Nigel Clough's side have won their last five home matches. Rochdale, with a new manager in John Coleman at the helm, can surprise Bury in League One. AFC Wimbledon have halted their slump in League Two and are a good bet to beat Aldershot, who keep sliding. Bristol Rovers can follow their coupon-busting win at promotion-seeking Cheltenham last Saturday by defeating Bradford City.

Pools tips for this weekend January 21-22

 Ten draws: Fulham v Newcastle, Stoke v West Brom, Sunderland v Swansea, Bristol City v Doncaster, Burnley v Derby, Bury v Yeovil, Charlton v Sheffield United, Notts County v MK Dons, Rotherham v Port Vale, Shrewsbury v Southend.


Best draws: Stoke v West Brom, Sunderland v Swansea, Burnley v Derby, Notts County v MK Dons, Rotherham v Port Vale.


Five aways: Middlesbrough, Brighton, Stevenage, Accrington, Barnet.


Nine homes: Queens Park Rangers, Barnsley, Birmingham, Reading, Bournemouth, Oldham, Wycombe, Cheltenham, Gillingham.


Pick of the draws: West Brom's better results have been when they've played away, so don't be surprised if they come away from Stoke with a Premier League point. Swansea are buzzing at the moment, especially in the light of their deserved victory over Arsenal last Sunday, and can share the spoils against another revitalised team, Sunderland. Just one point and two places separate Derby (8th) from Burnley (10th) in the Championship and stalemate is the likeliest result at Turf Moor. MK Dons, of League One, gave QPR a real run for their money before bowing out of the FA Cup this week and that should stand them in good stead at Notts County. Two out-of-form teams in League Two, Rotherham and Port Vale, meet at Rotherham. I expect deadlock.


Away days: Bottom club Coventry are seven points off safety in the Championship and promotion-seeking Middlesbrough can increase their woe. Brighton have gained a new lease of life which should enable them to gain maximum points at Peterborough. Stevenage's form has been outstanding and although they have lost their manager, Graham Westley, to Preston, they will surely be too strong for Scunthorpe in League One. In League Two, away specialists Accrington are a confident selection to prevail at Aldershot while Barnet, impressive away winners last Saturday, will feel they can do it again at bottom club Northampton.


Homes sweet homes: Queens Park Rangers have won only once at home in the Premier League this season, but they should rectify that against bottom club Wigan. Normal service seems to have been resumed at Reading after their ignominious FA Cup exit by Stevenage and I expect them to beat Hull, who are just below them in the Championship. By all accounts Oldham were unlucky to lose their League One match at Huddersfield last Saturday and they will probably take their frustration out on Exeter. Have a punt on Wycombe defeating Rochdale in the battle of the strugglers. 

Pools tips for this weekend January 14-15

Ten draws: Chelsea v Sunderland, West Brom v Norwich, Nottingham Forest v Southampton, Bournemouth v Notts County, MK Dons v Carlisle, Yeovil v Tranmere, Plymouth v Burton, Rotherham v Swindon, Shrewsbury v Gillingham, Dunfermline v Hibernian.

Best draws: Chelsea v Sunderland, Bournemouth v Notts County, MK Dons v Carlisle, Plymouth v Burton, Rotherham v Swindon.

Five aways: Cardiff, Blackpool, Birmingham, Sheffield United, Stevenage.

Nine homes: Tottenham, Brighton, Derby, Hull, Preston, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford, Dagenham & Redbridge, Macclesfield.

Pick of the draws: Chelsea, despite their Premier League victory at Wolves two weeks ago, don't look a settled team whereas visitors Sunderland have come on leaps and bounds under Martin O'Neill's managership. Bournemouth have recovered well from their slow start to the season in League One while Notts County will feel upbeat after their deserved win at Championship side Doncaster in the FA Cup third round. MK Dons were within minutes of knocking Queens Park Rangers out of the Cup but the form of their opponents, Carlisle, has been just as convincing. In League Two, Plymouth are playing better than their bottom placing suggests and can give Burton a run for their money. Visitors Swindon are on a high after their Cup heroics but Rotherham are no mugs at home.

Away days: Cardiff are a good bet to prevail at Doncaster, who will do well to avoid relegation from the Championship. The force is with Blackpool - in sharp contrast to Ipswich, who cannot stop conceding goals. On the other hand, Millwall are averaging less than a goal a game and Birmingham can take advantage. In League One, promotion-chasing Sheffield United are tipped to continue their winning habit when they go to Bury while in-form Stevenage will surely be too strong for relegation-threatened Rochdale.

Homes sweet homes: I'm taking third-placed League One side Sheffield Wednesday, fresh from beating West Ham in the Cup and unbeaten at Hillsborough this season, to edge their clash with leaders Charlton. Despite their 19th position in League Two, Bradford City are getting their act together and can upset Morecambe. Dagenham & Redbridge did themselves proud by holding Millwall to a goalless draw in the Cup and are worth backing against fellow strugglers Hereford. Spirits are high at Macclesfield after their thrilling 2-2 Cup draw against Premier League Bolton and they'll be confident of defeating Torquay.

Pools tips for this weekend January 7-8

Ten draws: Brighton v Wrexham, Coventry v Southampton, Derby v Crystal Palace, Hull v Ipswich, Manchester City v Manchester United, Nottingham Forest v Leicester, Peterborough v Sunderland, West Brom v Cardiff, Tranmere v Brentford, Raith v Morton.


Best draws: Coventry v Southampton, Hull v Ipswich, Manchester City v Manchester United, Nottingham Forest v Leicester, Peterborough v Sunderland.


Five aways: Swansea, Bristol City, Notts County, Wigan, Oxford.


Nine homes: Birmingham, Fulham, Middlesbrough, MK Dons, Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham, Watford, Chesterfield, Crewe.


Pick of the draws: It's FA Cup third-round weekend and Coventry, bottom of the Championship, can provide one of the upsets by holding leaders Southampton, who have lost their last two league fixtures. Coventry were resolute in defeat at West Ham on Monday and are showing signs of recovery. Hull were pointless over Christmas and that may affect their confidence against visiting Ipswich. I expect the eagerly awaited Manchester derby to go to a replay and Forest v Leicester has all the makings of another stalemate. Both teams recorded fine away wins on Monday - Forest at Ipswich, Leicester at Palace. Martin O'Neill's revitalised Sunderland should really prevail at Peterborough but their opponents have a good cup tradition and should not be underestimated. 


Away days: Swansea stopped their barren away run at Aston Villa on Monday and will be confident of further success against Barnsley, of the Championship. League Two leaders Crawley are formidable at home but will probably find in-form Bristol City too strong. League One Notts County have stumbled recently yet have enough ability to surprise Championship strugglers Doncaster. I'm taking Wigan to make their superiority count against League Two promotion contenders Swindon. Oxford have gained  some momentum in League Two and I believe they will beat Aldershot.


Homes sweet homes: Birmingham are unbeaten at home in the Championship, so don't be surprised if they knock Premier Leaguers Wolves, who struggle away, out of the Cup. League One flyers MK Dons can administer a giant-killing when they face Queens Park Rangers, who are having a terrible run. Promotion-seeking Sheffield Wednesday are unbeaten at Hillsborough and must be fancying their chances of an upset against West Ham, who have looked less than convincing recently. In League One, take a punt on bottom club Chesterfield gaining a rare victory over Exeter, who do not travel well. 

Revised pools tips for December 31-January 1

Ten draws: Bolton v Wolves, Barnsley v Leeds, Millwall v Crystal Palace, Preston v Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe v Chesterfield, Wycombe v Stevenage, Bristol Rovers v Crewe, Morecambe v Burton, Forest Green v Kidderminster, Southport v Fleetwood.


Best draws: Bolton v Wolves, Barnsley v Leeds, Millwall v Crystal Palace, Scunthorpe v Chesterfield, Southport v Fleetwood.


Five aways: Tottenham, Blackpool, Brighton, MK Dons, Southend.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Manchester United, West Brom, Burnley, Derby, Reading, Sheffield United, Walsall, Aldershot.


Pick of the draws: Wolves showed their resilience when their 10 men held out for a point at Arsenal. Relegation-haunted Bolton have not drawn this season but that sequence may end on Saturday. Leeds have stumbled in the Championship recently and Yorkshire rivals Barnsley won't be in the mood to do them any favours. Crystal Palace don't score many but don't concede many either, so expect a dour stalemate at Millwall. Chesterfield, bottom of League One, are due a change of luck and could get it at Scunthorpe, who have slid into the relegation zone themselves. Fleetwood's progress in the Blue Square Premier has been one of the success stories of the season and I'm taking them to finish 2011 by sharing the spoils at fellow promotion contenders Southport.


Away days: Tottenham are starting to look genuine contenders for the Premier League title and will surely be too good for promoted Swansea. Take a chance on Ian Holloway's Blackpool inflicting Birmingham's first home defeat of the season in the Championship. Blackpool warmed up for this fixture by winning 3-1 at Barnsley on Boxing Day. I'm tipping Brighton to recover from recent setbacks when they visit bottom club Coventry. MK Dons are red-hot in League One at the moment and should be backed at Brentford, who are indifferent at home. In League Two, promotion-chasing Southend will be confident of returning to winning ways against out-of-form AFC Wimbledon.


Homes sweet homes: I fancy West Brom, bolstered by holding Premier League leaders Manchester City to a goalless draw, to continue climbing the table by defeating Everton at the Hawthorns. Burnley have had a terrific December in the Championship and will probably take maximum points off Hull. Second-placed West Ham have a lot of injured players, so don't be surprised if Derby, 1-0 winners over Leeds on Boxing Day, take advantage. Two stoppage-time goals enabled lowly Walsall to beat high-flying Sheffield Wednesday in League One on Boxing Day. That should give them the confidence to dispatch struggling Rochdale.  

Pools tips for December 26

Ten draws: Bolton v Newcastle, Derby v Leeds, Leicester v Ipswich, Nottingham Forest v Peterborough, Aldershot v Southend, Bradford City v Crewe, Cheltenham v Shrewsbury, Northampton v Burton, Torquay v Swindon, Inverness v Aberdeen.


Best draws: Derby v Leeds, Leicester v Ipswich, Aldershot v Southend, Bradford City v Crewe, Northampton v Burton.


Five aways: Blackpool, Cardiff, Charlton, Oxford, Port Vale.


Nine homes: Liverpool, Manchester United, Stoke, Birmingham, Burnley, Coventry, Huddersfield, Oldham, Wycombe.




Pick of the draws: Leeds' better results in the Championship have come away from home and they can collect a valuable point at Derby in their quest for promotion. Ipswich have come alive in their past two matches and I fancy them to hold Leicester, whose recent results have been disappointing. In League Two, Southend's progress has come to a shuddering halt, but I believe they will gain their first away draw of the season at inconsistent Aldershot. Lowly Bradford City caused an upset against Southend last Friday and that should give them encouragement against Crewe, who held leaders Crawley despite playing with 10 men for most of the match. Northampton are having a terrible time but they could get something from the visit of Burton.


Away days: Blackpool continue to play enterprisingly under Ian Holloway and have the ability to unlock Barnsley's suspect defence. I am confident promotion-seeking Cardiff will recover from their weekend defeat by Middlesbrough by beating Watford. League One leaders Charlton have dropped only five away points all season and I cannot see Yeovil threatening that record. Oxford will probably take advantage of AFC Wimbledon's slide down League Two, and Port Vale, 4-0 winners last Saturday, will be looking forward to their trip to Hereford.


Homes sweet homes: Birmingham boast the only unbeaten home record in the Championship and I've a hunch they will surprise second-placed West Ham, who have admittedly done well on the road. It's time Coventry, rooted to the bottom, had a break and they may get it against Bristol City, who are in relegation trouble themselves. Oldham gained a creditable point at The Valley in League One last Saturday and should take all three against Hartlepool, who are in some disarray after sacking their manager Mick Wadsworth. Wycombe are showing the kind of spirit they will need to avoid relegation and look a good bet to defeat Exeter.

Pools tips for this weekend December 17-18

Ten draws: Blackburn v West Brom, Everton v Norwich, Wolves v Stoke, Ipswich v Derby, Portsmouth v Southampton, Stevenage v Tranmere, Crewe v Crawley, Swindon v Morecambe, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Hamilton v Morton.


Best draws: Everton v Norwich, Ipswich v Derby, Portsmouth v Southampton, Stevenage v Tranmere, Crewe v Crawley.


Five aways: Liverpool, Chelsea, Burnley, Leicester, Brentford.


Nine homes: Tottenham, Blackpool, Bristol City, Peterborough, West Ham, Bournemouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Burton, Plymouth.


Pick of the draws: Norwich are surpassing expectations back in the Premier League and look a good bet for at least a point at goal-shy Everton. Ipswich and Derby halted their slide down the Championship with much-needed wins last Saturday and I predict a point each at Portman Road. Leaders Southampton have stumbled recently and I'm taking fierce rivals Portsmouth, who are formidable at home, to deprive them of another two points at Fratton Park. League One newcomers Stevenage have already drawn four times at home. I think they'll make it five against mid-table Tranmere, who are due a good result. Although Crawley are overwhelming favourites to be promoted from League Two, don't be surprised if their progress is checked at Crewe, who look a more compact unit since Steve Davis took over as manager.


Away days: Liverpool have won more matches away than at home in the Premier League this season and are tipped to add to their tally at Aston Villa. Chelsea have dug themselves out of a hole with three consecutive victories and will feel confident of making that four at Wigan, who are weak at home. As Burnley have already recorded away Championship victories at Hull and West Ham, they won't be intimidated by a trip to promoted Brighton. Leicester must fancy themselves at relegation-threatened Doncaster while in League One, Brentford should benefit from their fine away form when they visit erratic Bury.


Homes sweet homes: Championship strugglers Bristol City have been boosted by new manager Derek McInnes and should see off labouring Nottingham Forest. Home results have been Bournemouth's Achilles heel in League One but their triumph at Huddersfield last Saturday will encourage them to believe they can beat Sheffield United. Sheffield Wednesday are flying and should account for Huddersfield, who are having a blip. Plymouth have hauled themselves off the bottom of League Two and can take another step nearer safety by defeating Hereford, who are only four points ahead of them.

Pools tips for this weekend December 10-11

Ten draws: Norwich v Newcastle, Leicester v Peterborough, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Blackpool, Scunthorpe v Carlisle, Tranmere v Milton Keynes Dons, Bradford City v Plymouth, Cheltenham v Southend, Morecambe v Oxford, Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Dundee United. 


Best draws: Norwich v Newcastle, Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Blackpool, Tranmere v MK Dons, Bradford City v Plymouth.


Five aways: Hull, Cardiff, Notts County, Accrington, Shrewsbury.


Nine homes: Arsenal, Bolton, Manchester United, Sunderland, Barnsley, Birmingham, Derby, Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers.


Pick of the draws: Defeats by first Manchester City and then Chelsea may have dented Newcastle's confidence and they will do well to gain more than a point from their trip to Carrow Road. Nottingham Forest were desperately unlucky to lose to Brighton last Saturday and they are capable of holding Carling Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace. Championship leaders Southampton have not dropped a point at home all season but that could change against Blackpool, who can match anybody on their day. League One promotion contenders Milton Keynes Dons are one of the form teams and I fancy them to keep their run going at Tranmere. I expect revitalised Plymouth, bottom of League Two, to share the spoils at Bradford City, who are only three points better off.


Away days: Although unsettled by the departure of manager Nigel Pearson, Hull should still have too much for bottom-of-the-table Coventry, who are being cast adrift of the other Championship clubs. Promotion contenders and Carling Cup semi-finalists Cardiff are on a roll and must be backed at Millwall, who are fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone. League One promotion candidates Notts County can inflict more misery on Yeovil, who have already lost six matches at home. Accrington can gain their first away victory of the League Two campaign when they travel to erratic AFC Wimbledon. In-form Shrewsbury look an even better bet to prevail at Aldershot.


Homes sweet homes: Relegation-threatened Bolton are due a change of luck, so don't be surprised if they triumph against Aston Villa, who are ninth in the Premier League but convincing nobody. I expect Martin O'Neill to begin his tenure at Sunderland with victory over troubled Blackburn and their under-fire manager Steve Kean. Derby halted their slide down the Championship with a well-merited draw at Crystal Palace and I'm taking them to return to winning ways against improving Bristol City. Bristol Rovers appear to have a difficult assignment against Swindon, who are riding high in League Two, but their 6-1 victory at AFC Totton in the FA Cup second round will have given them confidence and I'm predicting an upset here.