But an analysis of the current Champions League betting highlights some seriously tempting prices about Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

Man City play Barcelona in the next round which has seen the bookies all but write-off the The Blues’ chances.

They are as big as 14/1 to win the whole tournament while Barcelona can be backed at 5/1 behind Real Madrid at 4s and favourites Bayern Munich at 5/2.

Now those three are the giants of the competition. But City are catching up fast and will be nearer 3/1 than 14s if they overcome Barcelona.

And there’s every reason to believe they are in with a decent shout.

City are playing outstanding football and have the firepower to trouble a Barcelona side which can wobble when the pressure is on.

The Catalans are the kings of attacking football.

But their back line doesn’t match-up and last season’s capitulation to Bayern Munich is still fresh in the memory.

City have players like Toure and Kompany who can bully Barcelona and give them a real chance of progressing.

We can then sit back smugly holding a 14/1 voucher with the option of laying if off if the next round looks too tricky.

Talking of sitting back – West Ham’s 10-0-0 formation didn’t go down well with Jose Mourinho after his Chelsea side were denied their usual home three points on Wednesday.

It doesn’t often happen here, but I’ll defend Sam Allardyce on this one.

Relegation battlers do not go to Stamford Bridge and try and outscore the home side.

We’ll see what tactics Mourinho adopts away at Man City on Monday – but don’t hold your breath for anything other than a cautious counter-attacking strategy.

This weekend also sees the start of the Six Nations Rugby.

England take on France in Paris in a match which will shape the outcome of the tournament.

Wales are rightly favourites but England impressed against New Zealand last time and I think they can get the better of the French and build up some early momentum.

Scotland should be put to the sword in Round Two leaving two pivotal homes clashes with Ireland and Wales where the Twickenham factor should see England through.

That would just leave an away tie in Italy to wrap-up the tournament and a Grand Slam.

It looks easy on paper – but it’s a lot harder with 15 man mountains running at you.

Still, it’s worth a punt so let’s get on at 6/1 that England land their first Grand Slam since 2003.

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Running Total for all bets this season to a £10 stake: £+30.00