Andrew French / 22 January 2010 Free Bet

"Pre-Irvine, Wednesday had not won since mid-October – and they had lost six of seven home games in the period since. However, these newly-revitalised Owls should be able to extend their run to three straight wins when they host Peterborough."

It wasn't so long ago that Barnsley were languishing in the drop zone alongside this week's opponents Plymouth. The appointment of Mark Robins has lifted the Tykes though - both in terms of morale and league position - and I think the Yorkshire side can head back on the long journey home from the West Country with a point this weekend.

Robins has won nine of his 22 games since taking over: not breathtaking, but bearing in mind he inherited a side that didn't win a league game until mid-September, it's quite a run. Last weekend they felt the full weight of the 'new manager effect' as they were beaten at home by Sheffield Wednesday in what was Alan Irvine's first game in charge. However, they ought to be able to take a point against a Plymouth side who have been in the mire all season long. Argyle did win back-to-back games over the Christmas period and scored five times - but incredibly, they have failed to find the net in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. I fancy this will turn into a bit of a slog, and Barnsley can earn a point - so back the draw at [3.45].

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The aforementioned Irvine has done little wrong since arriving at Hillsborough: played two, won two. And with both those victories coming on the road, the new gaffer will certainly get the warmest of welcomes when he plays his first home game against Peterborough. Pre-Irvine, Wednesday had not won since mid-October - and they had lost six of seven home games in the period since. However, these newly-revitalised Owls should be able to extend their run to three straight wins when they host Peterborough. With just one win 11 league outings, Posh have relegation dogfight daubed all over them - and I can't see any respite this weekend. Back Wednesday at [1.91].

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Having had a superb start to the season, Blackpool are just starting to falter a little - and as I have written before, the key to punting in the Championship is spotting the teams on good or bad runs, making money while you can and then jumping off the cash conveyor belt just before it suddenly grinds to a halt.

Long-term consistency is not common in this division. So, with the Tangerines having failed to win any of their last three games - including a midweek home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday - I'm going to lay them against my own team, Watford. Admittedly the Hornets are not doing anything themselves to inspire confidence as they are without a league win in five games and have taken just one point from their last six away trips. But with Blackpool stuttering and Watford badly in need of some reward from this journey north, I suggest laying the Tangerines at [2].

*Andrew is showing a profit of approximately £167 (£10 level stake/liability) on all his selections so far this season