Refreshed and reloaded Arsenal begins its Premier League title defense with a visit from newly-promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium in London on Friday.
The Gunners won the title under Mikel Arteta last season and have added Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, and perhaps soon Ezri Konsa to their loaded side.
STREAM LIVE — Arsenal v Coventry City
The other side of the pitch sees longtime Gunners nemesis Frank Lampard, as the Chelsea legend led Coventry back to the Premier League last season with a truly impressive campaign.
Coventry have spent plenty to reinforce their side for the top flight, as Brighton’s Carl Rushworth, Burnley’s Loum Tchaouna, Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka bring PL experience as four of eight new additions to the team.
How to watch Arsenal vs Coventry City live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 3pm ET Friday, August 21
Venue: Emirates Stadium — North London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch online via USA
Arsenal team news, focus
Konsa’s addition will be especially welcomed in the light of the extended recovery of Jurrien Timber and the back injury suffered by William Saliba at the World Cup.
The good news is that Bukayo Saka is healthy and happy. He’ll be joined by in-form Martin Odegaard and the duo of Guimaraes and Declan Rice. Is that how Arteta will sort his midfield for this one?
Cristhian Mosquera looks set to partner with Gabriel Magalhaes at center back. Riccardo Calafiori is a prime option to deliver in his place.
Coventry City team news, focus
American forward Haji Wright has a quad injury and will miss the first several weeks of the season — up to 12 according to Lampard.
Jack Rudoni and Ephron Mason-Clark could be ready to face the champs, while Onyeka is a question mark with a knock and Luke Woolfenden will miss out with a similar injury.
Arsenal vs Coventry City prediction
The Gunners are heavy favorites for good reason. There would be more of a concern here if Arteta had to take this show on the road to a boisterous Coventry Building Society Arena, but that’s not the case. Arsenal 3-0 Coventry City.
