The French Connection: Watford to beat Blackpool the Cleverley way

The French Connection / Andrew French / 21 August 2009 / Leave a Comment

The dugout can be a lonely place when results aren't going your way, but Watford can give Malky Mackay plenty to smile about this weekend

Back Watford @ 2.12; Back Huddersfield @ 2.4; Back Shrewsbury @ 2.3; The Treble pays approximately 11.6

After last weekend's magnificent 13.0 successful treble, our multiples man Andrew French expects three non-Premier League teams to do the business for him this weekend. You'd be mad not to have a read.

Leg 1: Watford at [2.12] to beat Blackpool

Rookie manager Malky Mackay is performing some minor miracles at Watford with a squad that is being trimmed to help the club's financial plight, and I think he can build on the excellent midweek win at Nottingham Forest by beating Blackpool at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Mackay plucked Danny Graham from Carlisle and the striker has already netted twice this season, and the loan signing of Tom Cleverley from Manchester United earned a quick return as he scored on his debut in the midweek win at the City Ground. Ian Holloway's visitors are also coping with a period of change and although they have drawn all three games this season, two of those have been at home. Back Watford at [2.12].

Leg 2: Huddersfield at [2.4] to beat Bristol Rovers

In League One I think Huddersfield are already looking like a team destined to be involved in the promotion shake-up this season. They stuffed Brighton in midweek after making light work of Southampton at the weekend, and 12 goals in three games shows they possess a serious goal threat to anyone.

They visit Bristol Rovers, who have won back-to-back away games - but both were against clubs who look likely to struggle, and Huddersfield are a totally different proposition. Back the visitors at [2.4].

Leg 3: Shrewsbury at [2.3] to beat Chesterfield

Nobody in League Two won more home games last season than Shrewsbury - it was their lack of away wins that cost them in the promotion race. The Shrews have carried on in the same manner, winning at home on the opening day but not in two subsequent away games: so the 5-0 drubbing at Dagenham in midweek was pretty much par for the course.

Back at New Meadow this weekend, I believe they can continue their good home form with victory over Chesterfield, who may not be quite as good as their midweek win over Notts County might suggest. Back Shrewsbury at [2.3].

The treble pays around [11.6].