Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title on Friday evening when newly-promoted Coventry City visit the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners enter the new campaign after an impressive Community Shield victory over Manchester City, while Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years following a dominant Championship title-winning season.

Arsenal

Arsenal could hardly have asked for a better competitive preparation for their Premier League opener, beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced an authoritative performance against one of their main title rivals, providing an early indication that the reigning champions are ready to defend their crown.

The Gunners finished seven points clear of Manchester City last season after collecting 85 points, and expectations are understandably high ahead of the new campaign. With difficult fixtures against Aston Villa and Chelsea immediately following Friday’s opener, Arsenal will be determined to avoid an early setback against promoted opposition.

Their squad has also been strengthened significantly. Bruno Guimarães, Piero Hincapié, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have arrived during the summer, while a deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is reportedly close to completion.

Arteta does have some selection decisions to make after several players returned late following the World Cup. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice both appeared from the bench against Manchester City, with Saka the more likely of the pair to return to the starting XI on Friday.

That could see Saka replace Noni Madueke, while Kai Havertz should retain his position through the middle. Rice may again be introduced during the second half rather than being rushed back into the starting lineup.

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain unavailable through injury, but Arsenal should still be able to field a formidable side for their opening league fixture.

Coventry City

Coventry’s return to the Premier League represents another major step in the club’s remarkable rise through English football.

As recently as 2017-18, the Sky Blues were competing in League Two. Eight years later, they dominated the Championship, collecting 95 points and finishing 11 clear of second-placed Ipswich Town to secure their first top-flight campaign since 2000-01.

Frank Lampard’s challenge is now to ensure that Coventry’s stay lasts longer than a single season.

The club have responded to promotion with an ambitious transfer window, bringing in eight players to strengthen a squad facing a substantial increase in quality. Caleb Yirenkyi has been the biggest investment in terms of transfer fee, while Carl Rushworth, Loum Tchaouna, Aurèle Amenda and Frank Onyeka are among the other additions who could feature at the Emirates.

Coventry’s immediate objective will be survival, and taking anything from the defending champions on the opening night would represent an excellent start.

Lampard does have some availability problems. Haji Wright and Luke Woolfenden are ruled out, while Jack Rudoni and Onyeka face late fitness tests.

Several summer signings could nevertheless make their competitive debuts, with Rushworth, Yirenkyi, Tchaouna and Amenda all candidates to start. Ellis Simms is expected to lead the attack, with Taiwo Awoniyi more likely to begin among the substitutes.

History is also firmly on Arsenal’s side. The clubs have previously met 76 times, with the Gunners winning 43 compared with Coventry’s 14, alongside 19 draws.

Verdict

Coventry thoroughly deserved promotion and have strengthened their squad with survival in mind, but an opening trip to the defending champions represents about as difficult an introduction to Premier League football as Lampard’s side could have received.

Arsenal looked sharp against Manchester City and possess enough attacking quality to take control even if Arteta continues to manage the minutes of some of his World Cup returnees.

Coventry may frustrate the hosts for periods, but Arsenal should eventually create too much pressure and begin their title defence with three points.

Tip

Arsenal to win by two or more goals.