The French Connection: 'New Manager' effect can do the trick for Bradford

The French Connection / Andrew French / 19 February 2010 / Leave a Comment

Well-travelled Peter Taylor is the new man at the helm at struggling Bradford City

Back Nottingham Forest @ [2.0]; Back Walsall @ [2.5]; Back Bradford @ [3.8]; The Treble pays approximately [19.0]

In his latest 'Multiple' offering Andrew French believes Forest can continue their great home form, Walsall can build on their midweek success at Leeds, and a new manager can help Bradford beat Accrington Stanley...whoever they are.

Leg 1: Nottingham Forest at [2.0] to beat Middlesbrough

Just when the top two seemed to be putting a decisive amount of daylight between themselves and the rest in the Championship, results have combined to bring Nottingham Forest right back into the picture - and I think they will take three more priceless points by beating Middlesbrough this weekend.

Forest's previously unblemished away record has been properly tarnished by three consecutive defeats on the road - but don't let that detract in any way from their excellent form at home. Billy Davies' side have won eight league games on the trot at the City Ground, scoring 24 times and conceding just four. Visitors Middlesbrough are still battling for consistency - they have won three, drawn three and lost three of their last nine. Although they have improved in the past few weeks, Forest's awesome home form makes them the choice at [2.0].

Leg 2: Walsall at [2.5] to beat Brentford

It's not often I'd advocate backing a team to win at home that hadn't done so in the last six attempts - but having ended Leeds' unbeaten League One home record in midweek, I'm prepared to get behind Walsall as that unexpected success at Elland Road could signal they are running into some form. The Saddlers haven't been losing that often (once in their last six), and the boost of such a fine away win could be the key to seeing them turning draws into wins.

Visitors Brentford are inconsistent: they trounced Gillingham but then laboured to a draw with lowly Wycombe. They have also lost five of their last seven away league outings. Therefore, I'm adding in Walsall at [2.5].

Leg 3: Bradford at [3.8] to beat Accrington Stanley

Well-travelled Peter Taylor arrived in Bradford this week, obviously with a brief to prevent the club's drop from the Premier League less than a decade ago continuing into non-league football. The Bantams are still some way clear of the League Two drop zone but a run of one win in eight games led to Stuart McCall's departure and has seen the club slip alarmingly down the table.

Taylor's squad should be good enough to avoid further perils, and I think that fabled 'new manager effect' could see him open with a win at mid-table Accrington Stanley, who are very unpredictable. They followed a run of three straight wins by not winning any of their next three. At a price of [3.8], I'm prepared to take a chance on Bradford turning on the style for their new gaffer.

*The Treble pays around [19.0]