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

Ten draws: Bournemouth v Newcastle, Birmingham v Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday v Aston Villa, Bristol Rovers v Scunthorpe, Charlton v Shrewsbury, Oldham v Southend, Peterborough v Wimbledon, Port Vale v Newport, Yeovil v Carlisle, Hamilton v Partick.

Best draws: Bournemouth v Newcastle, Bristol Rovers v Scunthorpe, Oldham v Southend, Peterborough v Wimbledon, Yeovil v Carlisle.

Best weekend away bets: Tottenham, Sheffield United (Friday), Gillingham, Swindon, Crawley, Exeter.

Best weekend home bets: Burnley, Leicester, Liverpool, Burton, Fulham, Plymouth, Rotherham, Wigan, Colchester, Lincoln.


Pick of the draws: Newcastle's unexpected 1-0 home win over Manchester United the Sunday before last has given them some breathing space in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League. A measure of confidence has also been restored and a point from their match at Bournemouth on Saturday will make their long journey to the south coast worthwhile. Bristol Rovers are the only League One side not to have drawn at home this season. I can see that sequence ending on Saturday when they entertain Scunthorpe, who have faltered recently in their attempt to gain promotion. New Southend manager Chris Powell is working wonders at the club with four wins and a draw from five games but he may have to be satisfied with a point at Oldham, who are making a spirited effort to escape the drop. Wimbledon's last-gasp home victory over Bristol Rovers at the weekend enabled them to climb out of the relegation places and should help them get something at Peterborough, who are maddeningly inconsistent. The mood at Carlisle, mid-table in League Two, is upbeat after two successive wins. They go to Yeovil, who don't give much away at home, and I believe the points will be shared.

Away days: Although Tottenham had an almighty scare at League One strugglers Rochdale in the FA Cup fifth round last Sunday, their Premier League form has been exemplary and they are favourites to beat an injury-ravaged Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. Sheffield United are emerging from their blip in the Championship and I fancy them to prevail at lowly Hull on Friday evening. The Gillingham bandwagon keeps rolling. They held promotion-seeking Shrewsbury to an away draw in midweek and will be confident of three points against Bury, who look relegation certainties. Swindon's away record in League Two is second to none and they will surely add to it at Chesterfield, who are second from bottom. Crawley, under manager Harry Kewell, are the most improved side in the division and will rate their chances of success at Forest Green, who are fighting to stay up. Exeter scored twice in added time to win at Crewe in midweek. That should stand them in good stead at Grimsby, who are in free-fall.

Homes sweet homes: Burton gained a crucial victory at Barnsley in midweek which lifted them off the foot of the Championship. You can never write Nigel Clough's team off and they are capable of springing another surprise when they host mid-table Millwall. Table-topping Wolves are overwhelming favourites to be promoted to the Premier League but if any team can beat them it's Fulham, who host them on Saturday. Ask third-placed Aston Villa, who went down 2-0 at Craven Cottage last weekend. The transformation at Plymouth has been astonishing after their terrible start to the season and they now sit just outside the League One play-off positions. They are well worth a punt against Bradford City, who appear to have lost their mojo.


Pools info: Livingston v Dundee United (No 49 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Birmingham v Millwall, Fulham v Aston Villa, Leeds v Bristol City, Shrewsbury v Rotherham, Southend v Portsmouth, Cheltenham v Wycombe, Crawley v Lincoln, Morecambe v Forest Green, Halifax v Ebbsfleet, Hibernian v Aberdeen.

Best draws: Fulham v Aston Villa, Shrewsbury v Rotherham, Cheltenham v Wycombe, Morecambe v Forest Green, Hibernian v Aberdeen.

Best weekend away bets: Swansea, Bristol Rovers, Charlton, Plymouth, Hearts, Raith.

Best weekend home bets: Leicester (Friday), Cardiff, Sunderland, Blackpool, Scunthorpe, Carlisle, Swindon, Boreham Wood, Torquay, Stirling.


Pick of the draws: Aston Villa are in the automatic promotion places for the first time this season after beating fierce rivals Birmingham 2-0 last Sunday at Villa Park and are aiming to hunt down the runaway Championship leaders Wolves. They are capable of sharing the spoils at Fulham, whose own recent impressive form has enabled them to climb into the play-off positions. Shrewsbury are top of League One after beating Fleetwood away 2-1 in midweek but Saturday's visitors, Rotherham, will be much tougher, for they are on a roll themselves and scoring freely. Although Wycombe have an excellent chance of promotion from League Two and their away record is formidable, Cheltenham often give as good as they get at home and I can see this one ending all square. Forest Green moved towards League Two safety by defeating Stevenage 3-1 at home in midweek and I believe they'll end a losing away sequence by nicking a point at Morecambe, who are hovering just above the relegation zone. Aberdeen, second in the Scottish Premiership and making progress in the Scottish FA Cup, look good for at least a point at Hibernian.

Away days: Swansea's Premier League transformation under new manager Carlos Carvalhal has been remarkable and I expect the feel-good factor to continue when the Welsh club play in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday. Carvalhal returns to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, the club that sacked him in December, and I'm confident his team will reach the quarter-finals. Victories last Saturday and in midweek have made Bristol Rovers surprise contenders for a play-off place in League One. They won't fear a journey to Wimbledon, who are in the relegation slots after four consecutive defeats. Charlton's recent results haven't been great but they must still fancy themselves to prevail at Milton Keynes Dons, who seem destined for League Two football next season. Plymouth go from strength to strength after a dreadful start to the campaign and I'm taking them to beat manager-less Oxford. Hearts should defeat bottom club Ross in the Scottish Premiership with something to spare and Raith, Scottish League One leaders, will be disappointed not to gain maximum points at Albion.

Homes sweet homes: Leicester, four times FA Cup runners-up, are my dark horses to win the competition this season and I don't believe Friday night's opponents, Sheffield United, of the Championship, will upset my prediction. Sunderland, second from bottom in the Championship, fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 at Bristol City last weekend. That point has given their  survival hopes a huge boost and they are well worth a punt against erratic Brentford. Blackpool stunned League One promotion favourites Wigan in midweek and can follow up that 2-0 away triumph by seeing off Peterborough. Torquay's hopes of avoiding relegation from the National League rose when they won 2-1 at Maidenhead last weekend. I'm taking them to upset the form book again when they host the ailing Dagenham & Redbridge.

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

Ten draws: Southampton v Liverpool, Tottenham v Arsenal, West Ham v Watford, Brentford v Preston, Southend v Wigan, Coventry v Accrington, Exeter v Wycombe, Morecambe v Chesterfield, Dover v Sutton United, Ebbsfleet v Solihull Moors.

Best draws: Tottenham v Arsenal, West Ham v Watford, Brentford v Preston, Coventry v Accrington, Ebbsfleet v Solihull Moors.

Best weekend away bets: Bournemouth, Manchester United, Brighton, Portsmouth, Luton, Aldershot.

Best weekend home bets: Everton, Swansea, Bristol City, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Blackpool, Gillingham, Crawley, Hearts, Bromley.


Pick of the draws: Arsenal have been invigorated by their two new signings, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, and they'll be playing at Wembley, one of their favourite grounds. They will also be keen to rectify their poor Premier League away form which has cost them so many points this season. Arsenal badly need a good result away from the Emirates and I believe they'll dig in to deny Spurs victory. West Ham's lack of transfer activity last month was a worrying sign as they are still in the relegation mire. They won't find it easy against Watford, whose morale received a huge boost when they beat Chelsea 4-1 at home on Monday. Preston, who are pushing for a Championship play-off place, have drawn on no fewer than 12 occasions this season and I can see them adding to that tally at mid-table Brentford, whose draw column is also into double figures. Coventry's surprising defeat at Forest Green last Saturday led to them slipping out of the League Two play-off slots and they could encounter another setback against unfashionable Accrington, who have won their past two matches and moved into third place. Solihull Moors looked certain to be relegated from the National League this time last month but they have been transformed and are now close to climbing out of the drop zone. A point at mid-table Ebbsfleet should not be beyond them.

Away days: Although Huddersfield put four past Birmingham in a midweek FA Cup fourth-round replay, they are second from bottom and the joint worst scorers in the Premier League. That should encourage Bournemouth, their visitors on Sunday. Victories over Arsenal, Chelsea and Stoke have seen the Cherries climb into the top half of the table and I think they'll add Huddersfield to their list of victims. There was an over-reaction to Manchester United's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham last week and, with Sanchez invigorated, I'm confident they'll return to winning ways at Newcastle, who are plainly short of Premier League quality. Brighton were convincing 3-1 winners over West Ham in a crucial relegation battle last weekend and I'm taking them to carry on the good work at Stoke, who have dropped into the bottom three. Portsmouth have had some disappointing results recently but they should have enough in their locker to see off struggling Milton Keynes Dons. Luton, the runaway League Two leaders, are fancied to complete the double over Stevenage while Aldershot, third in the National League, are recommended at fast-fading Dagenham & Redbridge.

Homes sweet homes: Rapidly improving Swansea, now out of the Premier League relegation places and 8-1 victors over League Two Notts County in a midweek FA Cup fourth-round replay, are well worth a punt against Burnley, who have lost that winning habit. Blackpool's form in League One since the turn of the year has been worrying but they have a good opportunity to relieve the pressure against Walsall, who are only three places above them and none too convincing on the road. Gillingham have come on in leaps and bounds since Steve Lovell was appointed manager and I believe they'll win their League One clash against Peterborough, whose promotion challenge is faltering.


Pools info: Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion (No 1 on coupon) has been put back to Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel. Millwall v Cardiff (18) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.

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

Ten draws: Liverpool v Tottenham, Leeds v Cardiff, Norwich v Middlesbrough, Bristol Rovers v Shrewsbury, Bury v Blackpool, Fleetwood v Scunthorpe, Peterborough v Southend, Chesterfield v Crawley, Luton v Exeter, Rangers v Hibernian.

Best draws: Leeds v Cardiff, Bristol Rovers v Shrewsbury, Bury v Blackpool, Peterborough v Southend, Luton v Exeter.

Best weekend away bets: Manchester City, Ipswich, Blackburn, Coventry, Raith, Wrexham.

Best weekend home bets: Leicester, Manchester United, West Bromwich, Aston Villa, Fulham, Charlton, Portsmouth, Lincoln, Notts County, Morton.


Pick of the draws: As long as Cardiff, fourth in the Championship, have recovered from being outclassed by Manchester City in the FA Cup last Sunday, they should get something from their visit to Leeds, whose hopes of promotion are fading. The steady rise of Bristol Rovers in League One was confirmed by their fine 3-1 win at Doncaster last Saturday. Although they have yet to draw at home this season, I'm backing them to hold Shrewsbury, who enhanced their chances of promotion by winning 1-0 at Portsmouth. Bottom club Bury will have been mightily relieved to at last get some points on the board when they won 2-1 at Oxford the Saturday before last and I can see them gaining at least a draw against Blackpool, who are now close to the drop zone. Southend's new manager Chris Powell celebrated with a morale-boosting 3-2 home win against Scunthorpe and it wouldn't surprise me if his team denied Peterborough victory. A 5-1 home loss to Leicester in the FA Cup last Saturday can't have done much for Posh's confidence. League Two leaders Luton slipped up by losing 3-2 at home to Wycombe in midweek and I believe they'll drop more points when promotion-seeking Exeter visit on Saturday.

Away days: Manchester City are so imperious that they could have the Premier League title wrapped up by March. They have no need to fear a visit to Burnley, who have hit the wall after a terrific first half to the season. The appointment of Chris Coleman as manager has not brought the expected bounce at Sunderland, who are still in the bottom three of the Championship after going down 3-1 at struggling Birmingham in midweek. As a result, mid-table Ipswich, their visitors on Saturday, are worth a punt. Blackburn regained second place in League One by defeating Walsall 3-1 at home in midweek and I think they'll keep up the good work by beating Plymouth. FA Cup giant-killers Coventry also have promotion from League Two in their sights and are fancied to win at lowly Forest Green. Raith, second in Scottish League One, look a good thing at bottom club Queen's Park while Wrexham, promotion contenders in the National League, are strongly recommended at Guiseley, who are fighting to stay up.

Homes sweet homes: West Bromwich Albion are perking up under Alan Pardew and will be bolstered by the arrival of Daniel Sturridge, on loan from Liverpool until the rest of the season. They are well worth a wager against Southampton, their Premier League relegation rivals in distress. Lincoln are on course for two consecutive promotions and I'm backing them to come out on top against Swindon, who are the League Two away specialists with 10 wins on the road. Morton's 3-0 triumph at high-flying Dundee United in the Scottish Championship was one of the best results of last weekend and I'm tipping them to send Dunfermline packing.

Pools info: Watford v Chelsea (match No 9 on coupon) has been put back to Monday and will be assessed by the pools panel.

Betting info: With Charlton's game postponed, four of my five away selections were correct last weekend. Fulham, Wolves, Luton and Rangers all obliged.

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

Ten draws: Cardiff v Manchester City, Hull v Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United v Preston, Doncaster v Bristol Rovers, Oldham v Plymouth, Crawley v Accrington, Port Vale v Colchester, Leyton Orient v Aldershot, Wrexham v Tranmere, Hamilton v Dundee.

Best draws: Sheffield United v Preston, Doncaster v Bristol Rovers, Crawley v Accrington, Leyton Orient v Aldershot, Wrexham v Tranmere.

Best weekend away bets: Fulham, Wolves, Charlton, Luton, Fylde, Rangers.

Best weekend home bets: Wigan, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Bristol City, Blackburn, Swindon, Bromley, Dover, Gateshead, Aberdeen.


Pick of the draws: Two evenly matched Championship teams, Sheffield United and Preston, meet at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday and parity is the likeliest outcome. Doncaster's progress in League One was confirmed by them earning draws at Shrewsbury (2-2) last Saturday and Scunthorpe (1-1) in midweek but Bristol Rovers, three places below Doncaster, have had some encouraging results themselves, including a 3-1 home victory over promotion contenders Bradford City last weekend, and I rate this as the best draw on the coupon. Crawley's morale was lifted by a fine 2-1 midweek win at Notts County, who are second in League Two, and I believe they will check Accrington's charge towards promotion. Second-placed Aldershot look a fair bet to go up from the National League but Leyton Orient, under new manager Justin Edinburgh, are less brittle now and capable of forcing a draw. Two former Football League clubs, Wrexham and Tranmere, face each other at the Racecourse Ground. They are fourth and fifth respectively in the National League and everything points to a stalemate.

Away days: Fulham have the credentials to be in the promotion shake-up in the Championship and their 6-0 rout of Burton at Craven Cottage last Saturday was no fluke. I expect them to continue the good work at Barnsley, who have been sucked into the battle to avoid relegation. Although runaway leaders Wolves have stumbled recently, I think they'll resume winning ways at Ipswich, who have short-changed their supporters this season. Charlton are looking more like League One promotion contenders these days and must be fancied at Blackpool, who are seemingly drifting. League Two leaders Luton suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat at lowly Chesterfield two weeks ago but I can't see them making the same mistake at ailing Grimsby. Fylde, of the National League, are one of the most improved sides in the country. Their 6-0 home win over table-topping Macclesfield last Saturday was an eye-opener and I'm taking them to beat Woking, who lie 16th. Rangers, who have climbed to second in the Scottish Premiership, are recommended at bottom club Ross County on Sunday.

Homes sweet homes: Wigan have a good FA Cup pedigree, winning it in 2013, and have already eliminated Bournemouth from this season's competition. The League One leaders must have a fighting chance against West Ham, who will probably rest their leading players in this fourth-round tie. Another cup upset is on the cards at Middlesbrough, who are reviving under Tony Pulis. The Championship side host Brighton, who are only one point away from the Premier League drop zone and crashed 4-0 at home to Chelsea last weekend. Gateshead's National League fortunes were boosted when they defeated Chester 3-1 away last Saturday and they are worth backing against Maidstone.


Pools info: The FA Cup fourth-round tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Reading (match No 13 on coupon) has been brought forward to Friday and is therefore void.