The Premier League is back after a short break, and we've got a cracking match to look forward to on Saturday evening as champions Manchester City play host to new-look Newcastle United at the Etihad.

Etihad Stadium is going to be bouncing with two of the league's heavyweights colliding. Some of the world's top players will be on show so we should be in for a treat.

Match Details

The Champions Manchester City will be hosting Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The match is scheduled on Aug 19, 2023 at 8 pm BST

Manchester City

Dias and Gvardiol - The Centre-Back Partnership of the Future?

For the hosts, it's that new look center-half pairing of Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias that catches the eye. Pep forked out a whopping 90 million Euros to land the highly rated 21-year old Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Big things are expected from him alongside Dias as City's defensive cornerstones for years to come.

There's also the small matter of Mateo Kovacic coming in to replace club icon David Silva in midfield. No easy task, but Kova has the engine to have a similar impact over time.

Out with the Old, In with the New - Squad Evolution Under Guardiola

There's been plenty of change at City this summer too, even with the squad Pep's built. Some familiar faces have headed for the Etihad exit door. Club legend Raheem Sterling called time on his City career and moved across London to Chelsea, while Gabriel Jesus packed his bags for Arsenal as their contracts ran down.

And it's the end of an era in midfield as well, with the silky skills of Ilkay Gundogan off to Barcelona on a free. David Silva he ain't, but Gundo's craftiness will still be missed.

Then there's Riyad Mahrez, who City have shipped off to Saudi Arabia after he fell out of Pep's plans. That's loads of attacking creativity gone from the champions' ranks.

In defense, Benjamin Mendy was let go after all those off-field troubles, while promising young full-back Josh Wilson-Esbrand went out on loan. So even with all the quality still there, it's impossible to lose players like that and not feel it. The squad's evolving, and I guess only time will tell how much they're missed.

NewCastle United

Bruno Built His Team on Tonali and Barnes

As for Newcastle, it's hard to see past their shiny new midfield combo of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Guimaraes was a revelation after joining in January and Tonali coming in from AC Milan gives them a dominant presence in the engine room.

That could give Newcastle's pacey forwards the freedom to really stretch this City backline. And with new signings like Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes ready to hit the ground running, the Magpies attack has a dangerous look about it this season.

Saint-Maximin Says Ciao to Tyneside

Allan Saint-Maximin leaves for Saudi Arabia after falling down the pecking order, while veteran keeper Karl Darlow departs for Leeds. Fringe players Matty Longstaff and Ciaran Clark were also released.

Chris Wood's loan at Nottingham Forest became permanent for €17 million after he impressed there last season. While Minteh himself has already been loaned out to Feyenoord to continue his development.

With their new signings, Newcastle have an extremely strong spine and excellent balance between youth and experience. Tonali and Barnes can transform them into top four challengers, while Livramento provides competition at right-back.

After heavy investment, the pressure is on Howe to deliver European qualification. But his squad reinforcements suggest the Magpies mean business.

Key Battles at Craven Cottage

• Josko Gvardiol vs Alexander Isak

This could be an intriguing clash between the center-back City splashed out on this summer, and Newcastle's new star striker. Gvardiol arrives with a burgeoning reputation, but he faces a stern test to contain Isak, who showcased his intelligent movement and clinical finishing with a brace against Aston Villa last time out. Keeping tabs on the elusive Swede will be vital if City are to keep a clean sheet.

• Mateo Kovacic vs Bruno Guimaraes

The midfield engine room is often where games are won and lost. Kovacic and Guimaraes have the energy and tenacity to set the tempo from central areas. Kovacic's box-to-box running could pose problems if Guimaraes doesn't track his forward bursts. But the Brazilian excels at breaking up play and shielding his back four. Winning this individual duel could determine who dominates the center of the park.

• Joao Cancelo vs Harvey Barnes

Barnes' direct, penetrating runs in behind defenses makes him a real threat in transition. But Cancelo's attacking talents down City's left could preoccupy the Newcastle new boy in his own half. If Cancelo can keep Barnes pegged back defensively, it nullifies his threat during quick Newcastle counters. Barnes' pace is a danger, however Cancelo boasts the experience to manage the risk versus reward of his offensive forays.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City

Ederson; Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Alvarez, Grealish; Haaland

Newcastle United

Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes