Hughes, like Ray Wilkins earlier this week, found this out to his cost at the end of his tenure at Manchester City. So when the Welshman pits his wits against his former club on Sunday, now as manager of Fulham, he will surely have a point to prove.
Hughes' record while in charge at Eastlands wasn't too bad, but his downfall was perhaps his apparent inability to convert more of his side's draws into wins. Under his guidance, City won 36, lost 25 and drew 16. And once again, one of his sides is finding it difficult to find a win, even if they are not losing (or indeed, winning) too much.
Fulham have recorded eight stalemates already this season, the most in the division, and if you fancy Hughes guiding them to a ninth against City, you could double your money with Totesport, who have the draw at 23/10.
Certainly a City win seems out of the question, what with Roberto Mancini's apparent lack of ambition of late. And when you take into account the fact that Hughes is unbeaten against his former clubs and unbeaten in all eight previous Premier League matches against City, a home defeat is a long shot.
Far more likely is a rare win for Fulham - what would be just their third of the season - considering Hughes' desire to get one over his previous employers. Victor Chandler have the Cottagers at 9/4 to take all three points, and send Hughes home on Sunday night with a big smile on his face.
That grin will be even wider should City implode on their travels - who knows how City's millionaires will respond to two consecutive (and dismal) goalless draws? A total meltdown is not beyond the realms of fantasy - this is City after all - and a Fulham win by two goals is a decent bet at 9/1 with Ladbrokes.
So, who is going to score the goals? Well, Brede Hangeland already has two this season, and his height at set-pieces will be sure to trouble City's back line. Paddy Power have the Norwegian at a generous 13/1 outsider to score at any time. If not, Andy Johnson represents decent value at 3/1 with Extra Bet.
Source: DSG
