Championship / Andrew French / 13 March 2009 /

Andrew French just can't stop backing his boys even though their dream run must end at some point, could it be Sheffield Wednesday this weekend? Andrew French doesn't think so. Best Bet: Back Watford @ [2.2]

Okay, okay. I know they're my team, runs like the one they are on must come to an end and I keep tipping them. But backing Watford at the moment really is very profitable indeed.

A couple of months ago, I wouldn't have risked a postage stamp (second class at that) on the Hornets. But just when relegation looked a horrible reality they hit a real purple patch. Six wins in eight games has lifted them six points clear of the drop and in striker Tamas Priskin they have a man in form: the Hungarian international has hit six goals during this recent run.

Visitors Sheffield Wednesday are a fine example of mid-table - they're not going up, they're not going down. Their away form (lost 10 of 19) is none too clever and they are particularly inclined to ship goals on their travels: the 38 they have conceded so far is the highest in the division.

Watford's home record stands comparison with teams in the top 10, and their ability to find the net at Vicarage Road (34 in 18 games) means they are always a threat. Therefore, back Watford at [2.2].

Having been the midweek coupon busters by grabbing a draw at Reading, basement boys Charlton probably deserve an easier task than travelling to leaders Wolves. It's hard to see lightning strike twice for the Addicks, who look all but down and have not won an away match since September 16th.

Wolves have been stumbling along of late, and they are hanging on to the lead in the table as much due to the inability of those chasing to catch them as their own results. However, Mick McCarthy's side still have all the ingredients to see out their push for promotion, and they are certainly overdue a home win - they've not taken three points at Molineux in four attempts. Back Wolves in this one at [1.52].

One of the teams that has failed to capitalise on Wolves' recent struggles is Birmingham, who needed a late goal to scramble a draw at Barnsley in midweek. The Blues, as I have mentioned several times before, have really ground their way towards promotion, rarely winning games by more than a single goal.

This weekend they travel to visit a side that has struggled to score goals all season long. Doncaster have netted a meagre 33 goals and yet they have managed to put together an admirable run of results which has surely staved off relegation.

So, a team that seldom wins by more than a goal against a team nets less than once a game on average? It has to be a case of backing Under 2.5 goals in this one at [1.64].

Poor old QPR. Before the season started the wealth of their owners was the talk of the Championship, and they were being touted as automatic promotion contenders. Wind the clock forward and, with nine games to go, they are 19 points behind the top two and eight points adrift of the play-off places.

Without a win in eight games, Rangers are as out of form as anyone. That presents a great opportunity for Southampton to take three priceless points as they bid to clamber out of the drop zone.

Saints have only won three times at home all season, but two of those have come in the last three weeks. Just as importantly, they have tightened up at the back - only three goals conceded in the last five games. Back Southampton at [2.32].

Back Watford to beat Sheff Wed at [2.2]
Back Wolves to beat Charlton at [1.52]
Back Under 2.5 goals in Doncaster v Birmingham at [1.64]
Back Southampton to beat QPR at [2.32]

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