The two top four contenders go head to head at White Hart Lane tonight, eager to exploit Liverpool's present misery to try to force their way into that elite group of Champions League contenders. Neither manager has exactly been shy of spending a few quid to achieve their ambitions. Yet the money side is only mentioned constantly at City, whose Abu Dhabi-based owners splashed out £120million on new players last summer. "Harry has spent a significant amount of money as well but we are the ones that get judged on it more," reflected Hughes. "I don't know why that should be the case. I do have a lot of time for Harry though. "He is a real football guy, a great manager and very good company." With Shaun Wright-Phillips missing through injury and Craig Bellamy serving a one-match ban for his controversial dismissal at Bolton on Saturday - Hughes has been asked to explain his post-match allegations about referee Mark Clattenburg - City head south depleted in number but eager to turn a run of eight draws in nine games into something more positive. "This is going to be a big test for us but it is not one we are apprehensive about," said Hughes. "In this league you have to help yourself by taking points off the teams that are going to be around you in the table. "Everyone feels Tottenham will be there, so a positive result is going to help our cause." The cause is a place in the top four, an achievable aim according to Hughes given the strife Liverpool are in at present. "One team is usually deemed as the most vulnerable - and currently that is Liverpool," said Hughes. "It is highly unlikely to change now. Teams won't be challenging for the top two or three. That is not going to happen this year. "It probably means only one club is going to get into the top four. Maybe it will change in the future. But this season fourth place is one that is up for grabs."
