Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling celebrates against AS Roma in a international pre-season. PHOTO/AFP
MANCHESTER, August 13- New Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling expects the Premier League to be as tough as ever this season, making their early clash with champions Chelsea vitally important.
City meet the the Blues in just the second week of the new campaign at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, and the 20-year-old forward, who joined from Liverpool in an English record £49m move, is looking to continue with what he believes is a good personal record against the west London giants.
“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,” he told his club’s official website.
“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.
“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.”
City got their new campaign off to a great start with a 3-0 win over West Brom, while Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw against Swansea, and Sterling is aware of the depth of quality throughout the league.
“It’s going to be a really tough season,” he added. “Everyone has strengthened their squads and the Premier League is always hard to second guess.”
