by paddyblue » Sun May 13, 2012 12:07 pm
Ian Dovaston, sports correspondent
Manchester City fans have been gathering at their club's Etihad Stadium in anticipation of a first top league title in 44 years.
A victory over relegation-threatened QPR today would all but guarantee City the Premier League honours.
They are level on 86 points with their arch Manchester rivals United going into the last day of the season, each kicking off at 3pm.
United are at manager Martin O'Neill's resurgent Sunderland and must win to have any chance of clinching a record 20th top league title.
But City's goal difference is significantly superior and the blue half of Manchester is favoured to be celebrating this evening.
City will be accused of buying the title as the club's billionaire Abu Dhabi-based backers have lavished almost £200m on an array of stars since taking over in 2008.
City won their first major trophy for 35 years last season, beating Stoke in the FA Cup final - but the achievement had to take joint billing with United's record 19th league title the very same day.
(L-R) Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
(L-R) Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
However, a league title for Roberto Mancini's Manchester City team would turn back the clock to 1968, when Francis Lee and Mike Summerbee graced the blue shirts.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his side uncharacteristically cede an eight point lead at the top of the table.
But the 70-year-old has said City's challenge to United's pre-eminence has made him feel three years younger.
Ferguson - without a trophy this season if United do miss out on the title - says his young side will be back, stronger, next season.
QPR, with the worst away record in the Premier League, will be determined to have some say in the title race, and save their own skins, at the Etihad Stadium.
Mark Hughes, the west London club's manager, was sacked by Manchester City's new owners - and he is a Manchester United playing legend.
Among his players are some displaced by City - including Joey Barton and Nedum Onouha.
