The French Connection: QPR, Huddersfield and Grimsby are this weekend's selections

The French Connection / Andrew French / 06 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Not so long ago, Queens Park Rangers couldn't score - never mind win - the moment they left the comfort of Loftus Road. But their push for promotion is gaining momentum now they appear to have sorted their away-day blues, and I'm backing them to end Nottingham Forest's recent revival with a win at the City Ground.

Rangers have shown no mercy for struggling sides, winning at both Derby and Blackpool, and the fact they netted five times without reply in those two successes shows they have apparently sorted out their goalscoring problems on the road as well.

Forest have won four of their last five to pull clear of the drop zone, but the midweek FA Cup replay with Derby is bound to take its toll.

In League One, a new manager in Lee Clark, a couple of transfer window signings, and suddenly Huddersfield look poised to mount a promotion push.

Their home form so far this season hasn't been spectacular, but they have a great chance to add three points to their tally against Bristol Rovers, who don't travel well. The Pirates are stuck in mid-table and have won just two on the road in the league this season - and the most recent of those was at Orient, who have the division's worst home record.

Rovers are not likely to trouble the judges at either end of the table this term, and Huddersfield's greater need for the points should give them the edge.

The longer the League Two season goes on, the more Grimsby must be grateful for the points deductions that Bournemouth and Luton began the season with. Rotherham - who also kicked off with a negative points tally - have since overtaken the Mariners, and that shows Mike Newell's boys still face a real scrap to stay in the league.

However, Grimsby are starting to show some semblance of form at home, with only one defeat in their last five at Blundell Park.

Exeter are on the coat-tails of the promotion pack, but they have lost two of their last three, and this will be their fourth away game in five matches. The 600-mile round trip from the West Country to Cleethorpes sea front is long and dull at the best of times . . .