The Premier League title race is set to be decided on goal difference for the first time in its 20-year history on Sunday’s final day of the season.

Victories for both Manchester City and Manchester United will leave both teams level on 89 points but unless something miraculous happens, City will take the title thanks to a superior goal difference.

The last time the top flight was decided in such fashion was in 1989 when Arsenal and Liverpool finished level both on points and goal difference, but the London side won it thanks to a higher number of goals scored.

For City, it would be their first top-flight title since 1968 and their first Premier League crown, a return on their spending of more than 500 million pounds on new players since the arrival of Abu Dhabi owner Sheikh Mansour in September 2008.

With an eight-goal advantage over United, City take on relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday knowing victory will assure them of the title.

Having trailed United by eight points as recently as April 8, City found their form when they needed it most.

As United faltered, City came on strong, winning five games in a row, including a vital victory over United to join them at the top.

Yaya Toure, the midfielder whose form has been at the heart of their run to top spot, said City know that they still have one massive task to overcome if they are to win the title.

“The job is not done yet – we have to keep going because QPR need the points – but it would be amazing if we win,” the former Barcelona midfielder said.

“It is for occasions like this that I came to City, to make history, and I hope I will make history this weekend.

“Forty-four years is an unbelievably long time to wait for another title, it is too many years for the fans to wait. Now we have one game left and we have to deliver.”

United, still smarting from the way they have squandered a dominant position and the chance of a record 20th English title, travel to Sunderland for their final game.

The champions know they have to better City’s result but manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he would not give up hope until the final whistle.

“You have to think there’s still hope,” he said. “QPR have to go to City and survive. To stay up in the Premier League they need a point.

They are fighting for their lives and you have to think a team in that position has a chance.”

United winger Ashley Young said he hoped former United striker Mark Hughes, now manager at QPR, can help them out.

“It comes down to the last day now and of course it will be disappointing, especially if it goes down to goal difference, and we lose it,” Young admitted.

“I don’t want to think of any negativity. We’ve got to think positively. Fingers crossed, QPR will do us a favour and we will win the title.

“I’m sure Mark Hughes doesn’t want to go there and lose as they have to get a point for safety.

“So I’m sure he’ll set his side out in the week to go there and do the best they can and hopefully they’ll do that for us.”

Sunday’s results will also decide who finishes third and fourth, as well as which team joins already-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers in the Championship next season.

Arsenal, one point clear of Tottenham in fourth, are away to West Bromwich Albion while Spurs host Fulham.

If both sides win, they will finish third and fourth but a slip-up from either could allow Newcastle to leapfrog them, if they can win at Everton.

If QPR take a point at Manchester City, they will survive but if not, Bolton could push them down by winning at Stoke City.