Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott insists that his departure from Everton doesn't get his old club fired up when the teams clash.
The England international left the Toffees at the start of the 2009-10 season for £22m in a drawn-out transfer saga, for which boss David Moyes criticised City.
Lescott told PA: "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."
City and Everton meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.