‘It is not Mancini against Hughes, it is City against QPR’

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has downplayed attempts to build up tomorrow’s title crunch against QPR as a grudge match between him and Mark Hughes.

Hughes, Mancini’s predecessor, returns to the Etihad Stadium with his new side for a match that has major implications at the top and bottom of the Premier League.

Victory for City would secure a first title for 44 years — on goal difference should Manchester United also beat Sunderland — but anything less would open the door for their great rivals to reclaim the crown, and they face a QPR side anxious for points.