Rahaeem Sterling is expecting a 'difficult' first Premier League game of the season against Tottenham.
Man City are the defending champions after winning a third title in four years last year, finishing 12 points ahead of their nearest rivals in the table.
They begin their campaign against one of the other members of the so-called 'big six' this season, when they travel to north London to take on Nuno Espirito Santo's Spurs with the Harry Kane transfer saga hanging over the fixture. But while City go into the new season as favourites, star winger Sterling is aware of how difficult a start it is.
Speaking to City's website, the England international said;
"It is a difficult first game, but we are going to play them at some point in the season anyway, so why not the first game,” he pointed out.
“[Nuno] did a great job at Wolves and it is a good job for him to go in there. He is a manager that brings a structure and winning mentality into the club.
“He did incredible things with them. Now he has gone to Tottenham with some unbelievable players, and I am sure he will have them playing good football.”
Sterling is likely to be involved in the game in some way after missing pre-season following his participation at Euro 2020 with England, where they made the final but were beaten on penalties by Italy.
But with several first-team stars returning late, Pep Guardiola is likely to throw some in early and Sterling could get the nod considering his excellent record against Spurs.
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