But one thing it certainly can’t seem to buy is instant success in Europe.

Roman Abramovich had to wait years to get his hands on the Champions League trophy.

And it seems it could be a long haul for Sheikh Mansour’s Man City after their latest humbling by Ajax in Amsterdam.

City are now out to 11/2 to qualify for the next stage and there won’t be many takers even at those long odds.

But it does make our long-term punt on City to win the League look better with Mancini and his men not facing any more Champions League distractions.

Both our bets went down last week so I’m turning to old favourites West Ham to land a gamble this weekend.

Last time the Hammers played Wigan we got dicked 4-1 at Upton Park in the League Cup.

But that was then and this is now and Big Sam Allardyce has got his squad playing a ruthlessly efficient brand of football which works very well on the road.

The Latics haven’t won in six and the players are starting to moan about their bad luck.

That’s never a good sign and the visiting East Londoners can add to their woes at a very big looking 11/5 with Paddy Power.

Andy Carroll and his ponytail will lead the line but the best value in the scoring stakes lies with Kevin Nolan who is on a goal roll.

The Hammer’s captain is the same price at 11/5 to score at anytime so let’s load up and hope to see our Kev celebrating with his famous chicken dance.

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Running Total for all 2012 bets to a £10 stake:   +£211.00