The French Connection / Andrew French / 24 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Swansea (20th), Tranmere (23rd) and Darlington (bottom) are three teams struggling at the wrong end of their respective league tables, and Andrew French reckons their fortunes aren't about to change just yet.

Back Sheffield United @ 2.42; Back Colchester @ 2.2; Back Grimsby @ 1.92; The Treble pays approximately 10.2

Leg 1: Sheffield United at [2.42] to beat Swansea

Promotion contenders last season, struggling to stay above the relegation zone so far this term. Swansea have not readjusted well since manager Roberto Martinez and top scorer Jason Scotland headed north to Wigan during the summer, and I can't see any light relief when Sheffield United pay a visit this weekend.

The Swans have not won at home and have managed a paltry three goals in their eight league outings - none at all in their last three. The Blades will undoubtedly be buoyed by their victory in the Sheffield derby, and away wins at Reading and Derby show they know what it takes to be successful on the road. So, back United at [2.42].

Leg 2: Colchester at [2.2] to beat Tranmere

Tranmere boss John Barnes must be grateful that Southampton began the season with a points deduction, as that is the only thing stopping his side propping up League One. Barnes has so far presided over seven league defeats in eight games and seen his side ship a dreadful 20 goals.

Visitors Colchester may find maintaining a push for promotion a tall order, although in new manager Aidy Boothroyd they have a gaffer who simply loves achieving the seemingly unachievable. He claimed his first win as U's boss last weekend, and I'm backing his side at [2.2].

Leg 3: Grimsby at [1.92] to beat Darlington

Back to back wins without conceding a goal may not quite be world beating form, but when you consider Grimsby had lost six of their previous seven, it is a significant improvement. It is worth saying those two wins came against sides also struggling at the foot of the table, but you need to put away those sort of opponents - and this weekend the Mariners host bottom club Darlington.

The Quakers had a mountain of problems during the summer and are probably glad to just be playing football, but only one point from their opening eight games sums up the difficult task they face. They have lost all four on their travels, and I take Grimsby at [1.92] to extend Darlo's losing sequence.

*The Treble pays around [10.2]

Tags: Aidy Boothroyd, Colchester, Darlington, Grimsby, John Barnes, Sheffield United, Swansea, Tranmere