Lescott left Goodison Park for the Etihad Stadium in a bitter and protracted £22million transfer at the start of the 2009-10 season.

At the time Everton manager David Moyes accused City of "disgusting" behaviour and later partly blamed the affair for his side's poor start to that campaign.

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But after the move Everton won five of the next six Barclays Premier League meetings between the clubs and they also played out a 1-1 draw earlier this season.

The champions must get the better of them this weekend to keep their slim title hopes alive but Lescott is unsure his transfer is the reason City find Moyes' men such tough opponents.

The England centre-back said: "It might be the case, but when I was at Everton we beat City on a number of occasions, so I don't think it's down to my transfer.

"I wouldn't say they raise their game, because they are always tough opponents against any team. Goodison is a tough away ground."

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