The French Connection: QPR's home form key to success

The French Connection / Andrew French / 17 October 2009 / Leave a Comment

QPR gave Chelsea a bit of a scare in the Carling Cup last month but the ultimate aim is to be playing their London rivals in the Premiership

Back QPR @ 2.15; Back Colchester @ 2.03; Back Rochdale @ 1.96; The Treble pays approximately 8.65

QPR, Colchester and Rochdale are the three teams Andrew French expects to win this weekend; and if he's right, then an 8.65 winning treble will be his well deserved reward.

Leg 1: QPR at [2.15] to beat Preston

When QPR's rich owners arrived in West London, many pundits anticipated an immediate return to the top flight, but that just hasn't happened. However, signs are that Rangers are starting to click this season. A win at Cardiff, five goals against Barnsley, a point at Newcastle. Home games will be key if they are to go places, and beating promotion rivals even more so. Therefore, they can underline their credentials and take points off a team above them when Preston visit Loftus Road. North End are undoubtedly a good side but they showed they can be fragile when losing at home to Reading recently. Therefore, I'm siding with QPR at [2.15].

Leg 2: Colchester at [2.03] to beat Wycombe

The most in-form team against the most out-of-form team in the division - there's only one way for me to go in League One. I am slightly wary that Wycombe are playing their first game for new manager Gary Waddock, as that can sometimes have an instant and dramatically galvanising effect. But I still cannot see beyond a victory for the U's, who have quickly adapted to what new manager Aidy Boothroyd wants and expects. He did a great job in his first full season at Watford, and the signs are he could steer Colchester into the heart of the promotion race. Therefore, at [2.03], back Colchester.

Leg 3: Rochdale at [1.96] to beat Grimsby

Three successive league defeats have left Grimsby heading towards another winter fighting relegation. The have only won once at home all season and they ship goals at an alarming rate: 23 in 12 league games. Therefore, I cannot see them being able to hold Rochdale this weekend. Keith Hill's side have won five of their last six and whereas Grimsby are conceding two a game, Dale have been netting at the same rate. Make Rochdale the third leg of the treble at [1.96].

*The Treble pays around [8.65]