The England defender moved to Eastlands for £22million in the summer following a protracted transfer.

Moyes still feels aggrieved and stated his case ahead of the meeting between the two clubs tonight.

In his programme notes, he said: "There is no doubt Manchester City treated us with little respect and broke rules in the summer transfer of Joleon Lescott.

"I found it very difficult to accept that a club with so many similarities to Everton should suddenly start acting with no class."

Moyes added: "It was not so long ago that City were very similar, in financial terms, to most teams.

"But then a couple of changes of ownership at the club saw things change quickly for them. With that comes a great deal of expectation."

City declined to comment on the issue.

Roberto Mancini's side went into the game on a back of a four-match winning run under their new manager.

Lescott missed out on facing his former team-mates, however, as he is recovering from a knee injury.