Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 26-27

Ten draws: Arsenal v Liverpool, Coventry v Luton, Swansea v Millwall, Watford v Blackburn, Lincoln v Stockport, Mansfield v Birmingham, Rotherham v Stevenage, Bradford City v Doncaster, Bromley v Barrow, Grimsby v Milton Keynes Dons.

Best draws: Coventry v Luton, Watford v Blackburn, Bradford City v Doncaster, Bromley v Barrow, Grimsby v MK Dons.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Manchester United, Leeds, Barnsley, Walsall, Chesterfield, Kilmarnock. Ten homes: Chelsea, Everton, Burnley, Plymouth, Sheffield United, Cambridge, Wycombe, Notts County, Falkirk, Eastleigh.

Pick of the draws: Luton lifted their Championship gloom with a morale-boosting 3-0 home win over fierce rivals Watford last Saturday and will travel with optimism to Coventry, who have surprisingly slipped into the relegation zone. Watford's away form is letting them down but they are much better at home and should at least get a point when they host Blackburn, who are above them in the Championship. Bradford City and Doncaster, who lie fifth and fourth respectively, are genuine League Two promotion contenders. Both won at the weekend and this is perhaps the likeliest draw on the coupon. Still in League Two, Barrow have dropped out of the play-off places and could be vulnerable at Bromley, who had a fine 1-0 midweek victory at Doncaster. After two consecutive wins, fast-climbing MK Dons will feel they have a chance at Grimsby, who are better away.

Away days: Manchester United's form is nothing to shout about but they seem a sounder bet than their hosts West Ham, who have already lost three home games. After last season's agonising near miss, Leeds are doubly determined to gain promotion to the Premier League and three points at Bristol City will boost their chances. Barnsley, with four away wins in League One, will probably make it five at struggling Shrewsbury. Walsall, second in League Two with seven goals in their past two matches, are strongly fancied at lowly Accrington, as are free-scoring Chesterfield at bottom club Morecambe. In the Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock, now on the rise, are worth backing at Ross County.

Homes sweet homes: Last Saturday's well deserved 2-0 success at Ipswich has put Everton in the mood to beat Fulham. Anyway, it's time Everton's home fortunes improved in what is their final season at Goodison Park. Plymouth's 5-0 thrashing at Cardiff in the Championship last Saturday was partly down to having to play with 10 men for most of the game. I'm tipping them to recover when they entertain Preston. Suddenly there's light at the end of the League One tunnel for Cambridge, who sit 23rd. Having defeated Wigan 2-0 at home last Saturday and Stevenage 2-0 away in midweek, they are going for a hat-trick of wins against Burton, the only side below them.  

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 19-20

 Ten draws: Fulham v Aston Villa, Manchester United v Brentford, Cardiff v Plymouth, Luton v Watford, Sheffield Wednesday v Burnley, Stoke v Norwich, Accrington v Barrow, Grimsby v Walsall, Port Vale v Fleetwood, St Johnstone v Ross.

Best draws: Fulham v Aston Villa, Luton v Watford, Stoke v Norwich, Accrington v Barrow, Port Vale v Fleetwood.

Weekend football's best bets: Six aways: Arsenal, Portsmouth, Wigan, Wrexham, Doncaster, East Fife.

Ten homes: Ipswich, Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Huddersfield, Mansfield, Reading, Morecambe, Hearts, York.

Pick of the draws: Fulham lost narrowly at Manchester City last time out in the Premier League and it won't surprise me if they frustrate Aston Villa, who disappointed when being held to a goalless home draw by Manchester United. Relegated Luton sit just outside the Championship relegation zone but are likely to raise their game against fierce rivals Watford, who, by contrast, are in the play-off positions. Stoke and Norwich, who play each other, have experienced big, recent victories - Stoke 6 Portsmouth 1 and Norwich 4 Hull 0 - so it's hard to pick a winner. Accrington climbed out of the League Two relegation zone with a stunning 2-1 away win against promotion contenders Gillingham last Saturday. That was Accrington's second victory in a row, so high-flying Barrow, who lost to lowly Morecambe on the same day, have been warned. By winning 1-0 at MK Dons last weekend, Port Vale went from sixth to first. However, they could be denied by Fleetwood, who have scored more away goals than anyone in League Two, including a 6-2 triumph at Walsall.

Away days: Arsenal won their corresponding Premier League fixture at Bournemouth 4-0 last season. Although I can't see it being as easy as that this time, the Gunners, third in the table, should still have enough in reserve to come away with three points. Promoted Portsmouth are still waiting for their first win in the Championship. I think it may arrive at Queens Park Rangers, who are in as much trouble as Pompey and sit just above them in the drop zone. In League One, Wigan should return from rock bottom Cambridge with maximum points while Wrexham, in second place, are worth backing at Rotherham. Doncaster could be the new League Two leaders if they win at Swindon and I believe they will. East Fife, top of Scottish League Two, are a confident selection at struggling Forfar.

Homes sweet homes: I'm going for promoted Ipswich to win their first Premier League match of the season against Everton, who are always vulnerable away. Morecambe's 1-0 success at Barrow last Saturday was their first in League Two this season. It enabled them to move off the bottom and I fancy them to triumph again, this time at the expense of mid-table Milton Keynes Dons. It's a shock to see Hearts at the foot of the Scottish Premiership. I can't imagine they will be there long and I feel they are worth a wager against St Mirren.

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of October 5-6

 Ten draws: Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Newcastle, Coventry v Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth v Blackburn, Watford v Middlesbrough, Huddersfield v Barnsley, Mansfield v Blackpool, Peterborough v Stevenage, Chesterfield v Walsall, Grimsby v Doncaster. 

Best draws: Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Newcastle, Plymouth v Blackburn, Mansfield v Blackpool, Peterborough v Stevenage.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Liverpool, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Morecambe, Motherwell, Celtic. Ten homes: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Burnley, Portsmouth, Bolton, Exeter, Wrexham, Colchester, Fleetwood. 

Pick of the draws: Tottenham's convincing 3-0 away win last Sunday over a submissive Manchester United team was a much needed boost but Brighton will surely be more resilient opponents. In gaining their first Premier League victory this season when beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at home, Everton suggested there are better times ahead and Newcastle, despite holding Manchester City last Saturday, may have to be satisfied with a point. Plymouth, 17th in the Championship and under Wayne Rooney's managership, are more reliable at home and could deny Blackburn, who lie fifth. Mansfield v Blackpool is a League One clash between sides who are bang in form. Nigel Clough is doing a fabulous job as manager at Mansfield, who are third, while sixth-placed Blackpool  have prospered since Steve Bruce's arrival. Consecutive 1-0 home wins over Charlton and Wrexham have moved Stevenage into the top half of the table and will put them in the right mood for a trip to Peterborough, who have disappointed.

Away days: Liverpool, the new Premier League leaders, have done little wrong this season and should stay top after their Saturday match at Crystal Palace, who have done little right and are third from bottom. The way Bournemouth swatted aside Southampton on Monday night was impressive and they are worth a punt at Leicester, who have yet to win in the PL this season. Birmingham have opened a five-point lead at the top of League One and must be fancied at Charlton, who have lost three in a row. Neither Accrington nor Morecambe have managed to win in League Two, so it's no surprise they are 24th and 23rd respectively. However, Morecambe look more likely to break their duck and I believe they'll leave Accrington with three points. Motherwell, fourth in the Scottish Premiership, are recommended at struggling Hibernian. I also think leaders Celtic will recover quickly from their midweek Champions League thrashing at Borussia Dortmund and defeat Ross County.

Homes sweet homes: Portsmouth, promoted to the Championship last season, have had a miserable start to the season, made worse by their 6-1 loss at Stoke in midweek. but I've a hunch they will turn things around and I'm backing them at home to Oxford on Saturday. A late goal gave Colchester a creditable 1-1 midweek draw at Port Vale in League Two and sets them up nicely against lowly Carlisle. Fleetwood's 6-2 midweek away triumph against League Two promotion contenders Walsall was a coupon-buster and I expect them to capitalise on that when they host promoted Bromley. 

Betting info: I scored eight out of ten with my home selections last weekend. The following teams obliged: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn, Birmingham, Blackpool, Gillingham and Rangers. 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of September 28-29

 Ten draws: Newcastle v Manchester City, Nottingham Forest v Fulham, Derby v Norwich, Portsmouth v Sheffield United, Bristol Rovers v Wycombe, Crawley v Bolton, Northampton v Mansfield, Bromley v MK Dons, Harrogate v Bradford City, Kilmarnock v Dundee United.

Best draws: Nottingham Forest v Fulham, Derby v Norwich, Crawley v Bolton, Bromley v MK Dons, Harrogate v Bradford City.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Aston Villa, Liverpool, West Bromwich, Charlton, Aberdeen, Oldham. Ten homes: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Blackburn, Birmingham, Blackpool, Doncaster, Gillingham, Hearts, Rangers.

Pick of the draws: Nottingham Forest, somewhat surprisingly, are one of the Premier League's unbeaten sides so far but Fulham, just below them in ninth place, impressed when beating Newcastle 3-1 at home last Saturday and can come away with a point. Norwich finally woke up with a 4-1 home win over Watford in the Championship last weekend and I'm tipping them to deny Derby, who have won all three of their home matches. Crawley are fading after a strong start in League One and may have to be content with a draw against Bolton, who hit Reading for five last Saturday. In League Two, Bromley, like Crawley, are heading the wrong way and host MK Dons, who are one place behind them and have yet to spark. Harrogate will be determined to make up for their weak performance when losing 3-0 at Crewe last Saturday and face Bradford City, who are still not firing on all cylinders. 

Away days: Aston Villa, with five consecutive victories behind them, are likely to be too strong for Premier League newcomers Ipswich, who needed a stoppage-time goal to draw at Southampton. Liverpool looked back to their best when beating Bournemouth 3-0 at home and it's hard to see them slipping up at Wolves, who have slumped to the bottom of the table. West Bromwich Albion, the new unbeaten Championship leaders, seem certain to prevail at struggling Sheffield Wednesday. High-flying Charlton suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Blackpool in League One last weekend but I believe they'll recover quickly at Stevenage. Aberdeen, second to Celtic only on goal difference in the Scottish Premiership, will fancy their chances at Dundee and in the National League, fast-improving Oldham are recommended at bottom club Ebbsfleet. 

Homes sweet homes: Everton, second from last in the Premier League, played well for long periods when drawing 1-1 at Leicester last Saturday but are still without a win this season. I've a feeling that will change against Crystal Palace, who have yet to taste victory themselves. Stephen Clemence, manager of League Two leaders Barrow, is returning to second-placed Gillingham, the club that sacked him last season. I think he'll be out of luck and I expect Gills to be leading the table on Saturday evening. The wretched start to the season by Hearts sees them bottom of the Scottish Premiership and without a win. They are due a change of fortune and may get it against Ross County.

Pools info: Wimbledon v Accrington (match No.32 on coupon) has been postponed and will be assessed by the pools panel.

 

 

Pools tips and best bets for weekend of September 21-22

 Ten draws: Tottenham v Brentford, Bristol City v Oxford, Norwich v Watford, Queens Park Rangers v Millwall, Lincoln v Wigan, Bradford City v Wimbledon, Chesterfield v Cheltenham, Grimsby v Bromley, Notts County v Gillingham, Salford v Walsall. 

Best draws: Tottenham v Brentford, Bristol City v Oxford, Lincoln v Wigan, Notts County v Gillingham, Salford v Walsall.

Weekend's best football bets: Six aways: Man Utd, Newcastle, Leeds, Blackburn, Birmingham, Port Vale. 

Ten homes: Aston Villa, Burnley, Coventry, Luton, Huddersfield, Stockport, Wrexham, Wycombe, Barrow, Swindon. 

Pick of the draws: Brentford gave a good account of themselves when losing narrowly at Manchester City last Saturday and will be optimistic about getting something at Tottenham, who sit in the bottom half of the Premier League. Oxford, promoted via the play-offs at the end of last season, are making light of life in the Championship and will be disappointed if they come away from Bristol City empty-handed. Wigan's 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers in League One last weekend was eye-catching and will make them believe they can gain a point at Lincoln. The match of the day in League Two features Notts County, the leaders, against second-placed Gillingham. I'm taking County, the division's highest scorers, to be held by the Gills, who have the best defence. Salford are gradually climbing the table after a hesitant start and in the mood to deny high-flying Walsall.

Away days: Manchester United eased the pressure on their manager by beating Southampton 3-0 away last Saturday. They also hit Barnsley, of League One, for seven in the midweek League Cup at Old Trafford and can complete a hat-trick of victories at Crystal Palace. Newcastle show signs of being more resilient opponents on their travels this season. They won 2-1 at Wolves last Sunday and will fancy their chances at Fulham. Leeds suffered a setback when losing 1-0 at home to Burnley in the Championship last weekend. They will want to recover quickly and a game at bottom club Cardiff gives them an excellent opportunity. Blackburn, one of the early Championship front-runners, are recommended at struggling Preston and Birmingham, second in League One and fresh from defeating promotion rivals Wrexham 3-1 at St Andrew's on Monday, should get the better of Rotherham. In League Two, I expect Port Vale, with consecutive wins behind them, to increase the gloom at lowly Accrington.

Homes sweet homes: Mid-table Coventry were very unlucky not to win at Watford in the Championship last Saturday and can make sure this time by beating Swansea. Luton, relegated from the Premier League, deserved their first victory of the season at Millwall last weekend and are well capable of getting off the mark at Kenilworth Road against flaky Sheffield Wednesday. Swindon, in the lower half of League Two, are hoping that their 4-0 rout of Newport will kick-start their campaign and are worth backing against Carlisle, who are in free-fall.