Source: Eurosport
Hughes keeps one eye on Anfield
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is more eager than usual to learn the result of the mouthwatering Anfield clash between bitter enemies Liverpool and Manchester United.
Hughes' side are five points behind leaders United with a game in hand, which is why their cross-city rivals' clash at Liverpool on Sunday is of far greater importance than it has been in the past.
With the Liverpool-United game starting two hours ahead of City's home clash with Fulham, Hughes said: "I'm relishing the fact the other two are playing each other. It's a big fixture in the sporting calendar, and irrespective of our ambitions this year, everybody looks at that game because it's a big one and there's huge focus on it."
He added: "Maybe this year we're looking at it with a different view and with renewed interest.
"You hope the teams in and around you stumble so you can take full advantage of that.
"Obviously, in years gone by, we've been more used to mid-table teams and the like, and looking at their results.
"Maybe now we can say we're looking at the top teams around us and hoping they're going to fail."
It is further evidence of how times are changing at City, and how the landscape of the Premier League is also altering.
With Tottenham and Aston Villa joining City in threatening the prior monopoly enjoyed by United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, Hughes feels the title race could be closer than ever.
"When we go up against the top four teams, if we can do our work and take points off them, then that will help us in terms of the ambitions we have," added Hughes.
