The French Connection: Take one from the Championship, League One and League Two for multiple joy...

The French Connection / Andrew French / 27 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Southampton totally overturned the Championship formbook by beating Preston last weekend, but I predict it'll be business as usual when Cardiff visit St Mary's this weekend.

Last Saturday's 3-1 success was Saints' first in five games and only their second at home all season - but Preston's recent patchy form (one win in six) puts it in a little more in context. Cardiff are in better form (unbeaten in 13 games) and although they draw too many games for their own good, they ought to be able to see off the Saints.

The Welsh club have enough games in hand to still be involved in the promotion battle, but manager Dave Jones will know that they are only any use if they start winning them, and the midweek goalless draw against QPR places greater emphasis on success in this one.

Therefore, back the Bluebirds at [2.48].

At the bottom of League One, Cheltenham look to have booked one of the relegation spots already and Hereford will be in equal danger of being cast adrift if they don't beat fellow strugglers Leyton Orient at home this weekend. A win moves United to within three points of the Os, but defeat would see them fall nine points behind.

Hereford can be superb at home, as their 5-0 demolition of Oldham and 2-0 win over Leeds showed. Their only recent home defeats have come against teams in the promotion shake-up (Peterborough and Millwall) and their home defensive record - only 14 goals conceded - is one of the best in the division.

Orient have won more games on the road than they have at home and their recent triumph at MK Dons shows what they are capable of. But they have struggled to score goals of late (two in four games) and that aforementioned miserly defensive record at Edgar Street can just give Hereford the edge.

So, make Hereford part two of the treble at [2.44].

There are a couple of clubs struggling at the foot of League Two who must every day thank their lucky stars that the two teams keeping them out of the relegation zone (Bournemouth and Luton) started the season with a negative points tally. However, Bournemouth are looking capable of overcoming that handicap and staying up, which puts Chester right within their sights.

While the Cherries are on the march and the team one place above them, Grimsby, are also showing signs of life, City are heading in the other direction. They are without a win in 11 games, and have lost eight of those. They've lost four consecutive home games and scored just once in the process.

Visitors Dagenham and Redbridge have hardly been flying themselves with just one win in seven, but they are making themselves very difficult to beat on their travels. They are unbeaten in eight away games and although they have drawn six of them, such resilience ought to be enough - especially as they also still have play-off aspirations.

Complete the treble by backing Dagenham and Redbridge at [2.18].