Mark Hughes can see similarities between his current Manchester City side and the Chelsea one he joined in 1995.

City's vast £200million outlay on new players during the last three transfer windows has been likened to the Roman Abramovich revolution at Stamford Bridge.

Yet, as Hughes often points out, by the time Abramovich started investing his immense fortune, Chelsea had already enjoyed plenty of success.

Indeed, during the Welshman's time at the club they scooped the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.

However, as they had won nothing for 25 years before those triumphs, Hughes feels it is his Chelsea era rather than the current one that City most resemble.

"When I went there in 1995 they hadn't won a trophy in 20-odd years.

"But I signed on the same day as Ruud Gullit, so it was obvious things were changing.

"In the three years I was there we won three major trophies. But that was 15 years ago. That is the amount of time they have had to build, even without the huge amount of money they have had recently.

"They have had the money, and a winning team as well, so when the comparison is made, it's a little unfair on us. We are just trying to get to a level where we are going to compete on a regular basis."

In reaching the Carling Cup semi-finals - where they will meet Manchester United - City have created an opportunity to win their first trophy since 1976.

And, while a run of seven successive Premier League draws has deflated some of that early season optimism, the Blues' results against the 'big four' does create a sense of optimism for this evening's visit of Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Yet even if the Blues fail to arrest a run of eight straight defeats to Chelsea, Hughes is convinced the trend this term has been forwards.

"We have taken a big step this season, although there some frustration at results because we are judged by the amount of money we spent last summer," said Hughes.

"But that was unprecedented and won't happen again.

"In the following windows you will see good players come to the club, but not at the level you have seen this summer."