Nowadays that entails bringing nine-month-old Betting Spy junior along which makes this holiday business a whole new ball game.

But he fits in well with the rest of the punters in the resort near our hotel in Lanzarote.

Semi naked, podgy, pink, and drooling seemed to be the order of the day in a lot of the beachfront bars.

Mind you I was giving even the grimmest watering hole an envious glance while pushing the buggy past as the adverts went up for a big midweek programme of Premier League action.

I’d have happily sat in a sticky plastic seat for a couple of hours supping Stella “just like the stuff back home” and watching West Ham pick up a rare three points.

Now the Hammers are recovering slowly and the last thing they need is the curse of Betting Spy to kipper them this Saturday.

Elsewhere one price jumps off the page – Arsenal at a huge looking 5/2 to beat Man City.

Pep Guardiola’s men bagged a midweek win at home to Watford on Wednesday.

But previous defeats by Leicester and Chelsea have seen City ship seven goals as opponents have worked out how to unsettle them.

Press hard, break with pace and keep moving the uncertain defence around usually does the trick.

And if they are your flaws – Arsenal are the last side you want visiting.

The Gunners have pace to burn and enough guile to unlock the home side on a regular basis.

I’d make this a 6/4 the pair sort of game so at 5/2 Arsenal are crying out to be backed.

I’ll be cheering them on in my Union Jack shorts and knotted hanky before returning in the New Year.

Running total of all bets to a £10 stake for 2016/17 season: £-80.00