The French Connection / Andrew French / 13 August 2009 / Leave a comment

Multiples fanatic Andrew French believes Burton Albion are better than their recent results suggest, and he fully expects them to beat travel sick Morecambe to land the final leg of his weekend treble.

Back Bristol City @ 2.16; Back Charlton Athletic @ 2.5; Back Burton Albion @ 2.4; The Treble pays approximately 13.0

Leg 1: Bristol City at [2.16] to beat Crystal Palace

Drawing 13 home games last season was a major factor in Bristol City finishing outside the play-off positions, and with that propensity to share the points at Ashton Gate, I'm obviously taking a risk in backing them to win at home this weekend - but I think they should be able to take care of Crystal Palace.

The Robins epitomise a Gary Johnson side - hard-working but like to play football. Since they came up a couple of seasons ago they have generally punched above their weight, and only a last-gasp penalty denied them an opening-day win at Preston. Visitors Palace were inconsistent last season and certainly didn't travel that well. I've seen nothing in their two home games so far to suggest they will be able to deny City three points. Back Bristol City at [2.16].

Leg 2: Charlton at [2.5] to beat Hartlepool

Hats off to Hartlepool for their fine Carling Cup win at Coventry on Wednesday night - but I think they'll pay the prices for their exertions at the weekend. Visitors Charlton also went through extra-time in midweek, but they had a day more to recover, and that makes a significant difference.

The Addicks were pretty woeful as they were relegated from the Championship last season but Hartlepool didn't pull any trees up in League One, and the London club's squad still looks stronger even with several summer departures. They ended the season with only one defeat in eight, despite being relegated a long way out, and I'm backing them at [2.5].

Leg 3: Burton at [2.4] to beat Morecambe

It's been a particularly inauspicious start to life in the Football League for Burton, with a 3-1 defeat at Shrewsbury followed by a 5-1 pasting at Reading in the Carling Cup. But Paul Peschisolido's side are better than those bare results, and I think they can kick-start their season by beating Morecambe this weekend.

Burton won 15 league games at the Pirelli Stadium last season and averaged more than two goals a game. Taking points from home games is going to be key to their survival and I think Morecambe offer the perfect chance for three of them. It took The Shrimps until mid-November last season to get their first away win, and their patchy form on the road encourages me to back Burton at [2.4].

Tags: Bristol City, Burton Albion, Charlton, Crystal Palace, Gary Johnson, Hartlepool, Morecambe, Pirelli Stadium