Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is looking forward to facing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini's men will be determined to bounce back from the home defeat against Stoke City and are also keen to take revenge for the heavy defeat suffered in the Community Shield last month.
"It will be difficult, but I'm an optimist," Dzeko told the club's official website.
"As with every season, there are several teams that will battle for the title of champions in England.
"This season Chelsea might be the most serious challenger, but we mustn't ignore Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, or United, who will certainly be much stronger than last year.
"After all, everyone has gotten stronger, and everyone wants to be first.
"The past season was one of the best in my career, and in the end we reached the title of champions of England, the second in the past three seasons.
"We succeeded in winning the Capital One Cup and I am really happy how everything played out in the past season, both for the club and for myself."
The 28-year-old signed a new four-year deal with the club last month and is ready to fight to help the Citizens achieve their objectives.
"As far as the contract, in general I had no dilemma around an extension," added Dzeko.
"I am happy at City, the manager believes in me, which is certainly important, and I give my all on the pitch and altogether it means quite a lot to me, because Manchester is a club with great ambitions and I easily decided to stay put."
