As City prepare to take on champions Chelsea in front of a record Etihad Stadium crowd, the 20-year old forward admits it could be a four or five-way battle to be crowned champions.
“It’s going to be a really tough season,” he predicted.
“Everyone has strengthened their squads and the Premier League is always hard to second guess.
“Chelsea are very strong in every department from their defence and midfield to their attack, but it should be a good game and I’m really looking forward to playing in this match.”
Sterling couldn’t have had a much tougher looking home debut for City who drew both games against Jose Mourinho’s side last season.
It’s a game neither side will want to lose, particularly so early on in the campaign, but Sterling is promising he’ll be doing everything he can to give City an early advantage over the West Londoners.
“I’ve done alright against them in the past and results-wise, I think it’s been pretty even overall so far in the matches I’ve played in,” he said.
“But I’m hoping this one will go our way and it’s vital that it does. We’re on our own ground and with it being our first home game of the season, we want to get off on the right foot.
“The only promise I will make is that I will try my best at all times - I will aim to create and score as many goals as I can for the team and work really hard every week.
“I’ve set myself targets for goals and assists and I know where I want to be but I don’t really want to reveal what they are because I’ll put myself under massive pressure - but I’ve got personal goals that I want to reach this season for City and hopefully I can meet them.”
