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The French Connection: Boro to kick-off this week's treble

The French Connection RSS / Andrew French / 22 January 2010 /

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Gordon Strachan's start at Middlesbrough has been a disappointing one, but he can record an overdue success at home to Swansea this Saturday

Gordon Strachan's start at Middlesbrough has been a disappointing one, but he can record an overdue success at home to Swansea this Saturday

Back Middlesbrough @ [2.25]; Back Gillingham @ [2.78]; Back Rochdale @ [1.99]; The Treble pays approximately 12.4

Struggling Middlesbrough can get their season back on track this weekend says Multiples fan Andrew French, and he can also see wins for Gillingham and Rochdale.


Leg 1: Middlesbrough at [2.25] to beat Swansea

It's been a pretty grim start to life as Middlesbrough manager for Gordon Strachan. Two wins in 12 games and the hope of a quick return to the Premier League looking less likely by the week. Yet I think they can finally start to get things back on track by beating Swansea, and I'll be making them the first leg of this week's treble.

Although they have lost three on the trot (one of which was against Man City in the FA Cup), Boro did at least win their last home league game (3-0 v Scunthorpe). Strachan has gone back to former club Celtic and signed three new players, and he'll know he has to at least make a mark in home games if this season is not going to quickly go down the drain. Visitors Swansea are fourth in the table but they have won only one of their last five in all competitions away from home - and they don't score many on their travels, just 11 in 12 games. Therefore, back Boro at [2.25].


Leg 2: Gillingham at [2.78] to beat Colchester

There can't be too many sides that will follow a 7-0 away defeat with a 5-0 loss at home, but that is what has happened to Colchester. Although still in the thick of the League One promotion race, Aidy Boothroyd's side have certainly had their wings clipped in their last two games, and in some style. What effect that might have will be seen this weekend, and so I am prepared to take a chance on Gillingham's strong home record extending the Essex side's misery.

The Gills have won seven of their 12 games at Priestfield and have the best home defensive record in the division: just seven goals conceded. Having played three consecutive away games without winning, they'll be glad to be back on their own turf. At [2.78], I think Gillingham are a risk worth taking.


Leg 3: Rochdale at [1.99] to beat Cheltenham

Leaders Rochdale really are burning up League Two at the moment: unbeaten in nine games with seven wins in that time. They've been banging the goals in too, with 23 in that nine-game sequence. In contrast, Cheltenham are struggling to stay out of the relegation zone. One win in seven shows their poor current form, and they have managed just two successes at Whaddon Road this season, where they have conceded 21 goals in 11 games. Dale have won five of their last seven away league games - and I think they can make it a happy half dozen this weekend. Include Rochdale at [1.99] to complete your treble.


*The Treble pays around 12.4