The French Connection: Travellers to make your day

The French Connection / Andrew French / 05 March 2010 / Leave a Comment

Tranmere boss Les Parry has turned things around slightly since taking over from John Barnes, but his side face a stern test against Southampton on Saturday

Back Middlesbrough @ [3.6]; Back Southampton @ [1.96]; Back Northampton @ [3.0]; The Treble pays approximately [21.0]

Andrew French believes a trio of away teams are well worth following across the English leagues this Saturday - if successful, the treble pays a whopping [21.0].

Leg 1: Middlesbrough at [3.6] to beat Cardiff

It seems they're not a happy bunch over in Cardiff, if stories of post-match arguments between the manager and chairman after last weekend's defeat at Preston are anything to go by. The Bluebirds missed out on the Championship play-offs last season and are only clinging on to sixth place currently by a point. One of the sides poised to take their place are the infuriatingly inconsistent Middlesbrough, and I think Gordon Strachan's side could take three points in Wales and leapfrog their hosts.

Cardiff have won only once in five leagues - and that was against basement boys Peterborough. They lost their last home game to Barnsley, and have shipped 11 goals in their last five games. Middlesbrough seem incapable of putting more than two similar performances together and yet are still in the play-off picture. They have the squad to be doing far better than they are, and at [3.6], they are an attractive price to pounce if there are some behind-the-scenes rumblings at Cardiff.

Leg 2: Southampton at [1.96] to beat Tranmere

Four wins in five league games and 15 goals scored - Southampton clearly mean business in League One at the moment. Confidence will be sky high having scored five in both of their last two outings while the recent victory at leaders Norwich shows their away form is currently rock solid.

Tranmere have undoubtedly improved since Les Parry took over from John Barnes, but they are still a long way short of being a team to be relied upon. They have lost two of their last three at home, and one of those was to fellow strugglers Oldham. With Southampton appearing in the sort of mood to overcome their 10-point deduction and get involved in the promotion race, they are a team worth following - so include them at [1.96].

Leg 3: Northampton at [3.0] to beat Port Vale

In League Two, Northampton's excellent recent away record may be going a little unnoticed as they are tucked away in mid-table. The Cobblers have won five of their last six on the road, and that includes successes at clubs with good home records like Bournemouth and Dagenham and Redbridge. They travel to Port Vale, who struggle for consistency - they have won four and lost four of their last eight. They have lost two of their last three at home and had to come from behind to win at virtually-relegated Darlington in midweek. At [3.0], Northampton look a little big to me on current form.

*The Treble pays around [21.0]