Arsenal will officially begin the defence of their Premier League crown on Friday evening when they welcome newly promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side enter the new campaign as reigning champions and favourites to retain their title after collecting 85 points last season. The Gunners have already lifted silverware this term, defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.
Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001 after winning the Championship with an impressive 95 points last season. Frank Lampard’s team have been active in the transfer market, adding eight players as they prepare for their top-flight challenge.
The Sky Blues face an enormous opening test against the reigning champions, but their remarkable rise from League Two in 2017-18 to Premier League football highlights their rapid progress.
Team News
Arsenal must decide whether Declan Rice is ready to start after featuring from the bench against Manchester City. Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting XI, potentially replacing Noni Madueke, while Kai Havertz could lead the attack.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable through injury.
Coventry will be without Haji Wright and Luke Woolfenden, while Jack Rudoni and Frank Onyeka face late fitness tests. New arrivals Carl Rushworth, Caleb Yirenkyi, Loum Tchaouna and Aurele Amenda could make their debuts, while Ellis Simms is expected to start ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Amenda, Markelo; Onyeka, Grimes, Yirenkyi; Tchaouna, Simms, Thomas-Asante
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport Premier League |
| Live Stream | dstv stream |
| Kick-off Time | 20:00pm (WAT) |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts Arsenal 2-0 Coventry City.
