Alan Pardew must be jealous ... having seen his transfer list put in the bin.
But will City's spending prove the difference on Monday evening?
The City boss starts his Premiership campaign, while Pardew is now the second longest-serving boss in the league.
It will be an interesting fixture that will tell us (and City fans) a hell of a lot.
When Pardew said last May: "My squad has not been big enough, and we are three class players short."
Since then, having lost Steve Harper, Danny Simpson and James Perch and brought in an injured loan signing in return, he is showing dignity as Mike Ashley refuses to splash the cash: "We have a big squad, we will be OK."
He will need all of his experience to get a result on Monday.
Manuel Pellegrini: "It is my first time here in England and it is a different league.
"(Whether it is) more difficult or less difficult we will see during the year, but for me (it is) exactly the same.
"I worked for nine years in Europe and I saw a lot of matches in the Premier League every weekend.
"I played in the Champions League against English Premier League teams so I know a lot about this.
"And living here now, of course, I see more."