City's amazing capture of Robinho for a British record fee of £32.5million on transfer deadline day underlined that there was suddenly a new player at the top table of world football - and one underwritten by the bottomless coffers of the oil-rich Abu Dhabi United Group.

Hughes has confirmed he is looking to spend big again in the January transfer window and admitted that, following Theo Walcott's stunning hat-trick for England in midweek, he now expects to be linked with a move for the Arsenal youngster - as well as many other top players.

But he said: "It's not as simple as going to the club and saying, 'We are now going to take your best player from you', it's a not a process that's as straightforward as people are making out.

"The other club have to want to sell you the player.

"It's about getting the right players in the right positions, and being able to get those right players."

This evening's match against Chelsea will be dominated by the debut of Robinho, snatched by City under the noses of Roman Abramovich's club.

There will be added spice however with the return to Eastlands of Shaun Wright-Phillips, back for his second spell at City after three largely-frustrating years at Chelsea.

Wright-Phillips scored twice against Sunderland on his return two weeks ago, but insists playing Chelsea will be no big deal.

He told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "The day I came here to sign was when I realised I could be making my first start again in front of the home fans against Chelsea.

"I am looking forward to it as all the players are. It doesn't mean a lot to me that it's Chelsea, it's more about playing my first home game after coming back to City.

"I started as a Blue here, became a Chelsea blue and am back now as a Blue. The smile is never going to go and hopefully the goals will keep coming just as they started here."

Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta, signed from Espanyol, is also in line to make his debut.

Martin Petrov (knee) is definitely out and Michael Johnson (groin) is doubtful but Micah Richards could be available after recovering from a shoulder injury.