The French Connection: Burnley can shoot down Gunn's canaries

The French Connection / Andrew French / 20 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

The honeymoon period is well and truly over for Bryan Gunn at Norwich, and I think promotion hopefuls Burnley could well plunge the Canaries into deeper trouble at the foot of the Championship this week.

Gunn romped to a 4-0 success over Barnsley in his first game as boss, but it's been five without a win since - and Norwich have lost their last two. They are in the relegation zone and played more games than many of those around them.

Burnley's successful season has led to a fixture pile-up, but they showed plenty of resilience to score at the death and earn a 1-1 draw at home to Coventry in the week. By all accounts the Clarets were worth at least that point, and if they are to push on in their bid for the play-offs, then away trips such as this must end with victory.

The first leg of the treble is backing Burnley at [2.8].

Things have taken a turn for the better for League One strugglers Crewe - but I think they'll be toppled off the crest of the small wave they are on when they host Huddersfield this week.

The Alex have won three of their last six to move off the foot of the table, but in between they have also suffered 5-1, 4-1 and 4-2 drubbings, to show they are still in the basement for good reason.

Huddersfield are very much in the play-off frame, and manager Lee Clark has won half of the games since he took charge in mid-December. They are well overdue an away win (none in four attempts) and I think they'll end that run at Gresty Road.

Back a Huddersfield victory at [2.28].

A great week for Luton, as they secured a day out at Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final. But it's that very success that gives me the reason to back Kenilworth Road visitors Shrewsbury this weekend.

The Hatters look doomed at the foot of the League Two table, and although no-one will admit it, you couldn't blame them for privately accepting they are heading into non-league football. Therefore, a cup final appearance and a party day for players and fans alike is a welcome distraction - and I think distraction is very likely, as the Luton squad are bound to want to make sure they are fit and available for Wembley.

Visitors Shrewsbury are in the thick of the promotion battle, but their miserable away form (one win all season) is keeping them out of the top two.

Include a Shrews victory at [2.5].