Arsenal's defense of their Premier League title begins on Friday evening, with the Gunners welcoming newly promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta's side are the reigning champions and favorites to finish top again, while any spot above 18th would be a successful campaign for the Sky Blues.
Team Form
Arsenal: dominant 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City last time out.
Coventry City: unbeaten in their last three pre-season outings.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Arsenal and Coventry have met 76 times, with the Gunners leading 43-14 and 19 draws.
Arsenal won last season's title with 85 points, seven clear of second-placed Man City.
Coventry won the Championship with 95 points, 11 ahead of second-placed Ipswich Town.
The Sky Blues are back in the top flight for the first time since 2000-01, having been a League Two side as recently as 2017-18.
Arsenal have made four signings this summer, Guimaraes, Hincapie, Tzolis, and Meslier, with a fifth, Ezri Konsa, expected soon.
What to Expect From Both Teams
Arsenal | Form: W
Arteta's side showed their class in the Community Shield, brushing aside Man City 3-0, and anything short of a comfortable opening-night win here would be a disappointment.
With Aston Villa and Chelsea up next, and more transfer business expected before the window shuts, this is a big week for the champions.
Coventry City | Form: DWW
Frank Lampard's men have been busy this summer, bringing in eight new players, headlined by big-money arrival Caleb Yirenkyi, while letting four first-teamers leave.
After an incredible rise from League Two, the Sky Blues will simply be looking to make a statement on their return to the top flight.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (possible):
Raya, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Guimaraes, Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis, Havertz.
Coventry City (possible):
Rushworth, Van Ewijk, Thomas, Amenda, Markelo, Onyeka, Grimes, Yirenkyi, Tchaouna, Simms, Thomas-Asante.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Bukayo Saka: Expected to return to the XI after coming off the bench in the Community Shield.
Declan Rice: Could again be eased in from the bench as he builds back to full fitness.
Caleb Yirenkyi: Coventry's marquee summer arrival, poised for a possible top-flight debut.
Ellis Simms: Set to lead the line for the Sky Blues, with Awoniyi likely among the substitutes.
Odds Market on MSport
Arsenal/Home to win = 1.21
Coventry City/Away to win = 16.24
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 2.46
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.59
This clash pits a champion side eyeing a perfect start against a promoted team riding the momentum of an incredible rise through the divisions.
With the Emirates crowd fired up after Sunday's Community Shield triumph, it promises to be a fascinating opening night for both clubs.
