Raheem Sterling believes Tottenham will relish showdown with Manchester City: 'They really turn up in big games'

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Manchester City must be wary of a Tottenham side that elevate their game for big matches, warned Raheem Sterling.

City welcome Spurs on Saturday, having last lost away at the Etihad in October 2014.

They are 18 points behind the league leaders but have recorded back-to-back wins to climb to fourth position.

Raheem Sterling has been in sensational form for Manchester City this season so far 

Mauricio Pochettino's side also progressed to the Champions League last 16 as group winners, recording an impressive 3-1 win over holders Real Madrid in the process, and Sterling has warned his team mates to be at their best.

'They are a great team. In their game against Real Madrid they were fantastic and they really turn up in big games,' Sterling told the BBC.

'Last season when we played them at White Hart Lane they were fantastic - aggressive, strong, dominant. They play good football and have players that can score goals.

'Harry (Kane), Dele (Alli) that I play with, they are ruthless and also Son (Heung-min) - these are massive players that they have, so it will be a massive game.'

Kane and Alli have scored two goals each in Tottenham's last four league games against City, resulting in three wins for the north London side and a 2-2 draw at the Etihad last season.

Sterling thinks Tottenham's key players such as Harry Kane will relish the huge clash 

Sterling, 23, has been a major factor in City's 15-game winning streak in the league, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances this season, but the England international believes there is room for improvement.

'I am always analysing myself, I am always critical of myself and always trying to improve,' Sterling added.

'I have been thinking about (how good I can be) since I was 17. Something good happens or something bad, I think 'what can I do better, what didn't I do this year'...

'I'm trying to make the box, trying to be more ruthless, more clinical and trying to decide games... As a person I like to challenge myself and say 'I need to get better at this'.

The Englishman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in the league this season