Premier League football returns this weekend as Arsenal kick-off their title defence at home against last season’s Championship winners Coventry City.

Both clubs made history last season. Mikel Arteta’s men ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League trophy, while Coventry City, on Friday night in North London, will play in their first Premier League match since the 2000-01 season. Frank Lampard’s side will be hoping to do much better than that Coventry side of 25 years ago, who got relegated following a 0-0 draw against Bradford City.

The last meeting between these two sides came back in January 2014 in the FA Cup. Podolski bagged a brace, Giroud netted and Cazorla scored late on as Arsenal won 4-0.

Both clubs have been active in the transfer market. The Gunners, ahead of their title defence, have brought in Hincapié, who played a crucial role in bringing the Premier League trophy to North London, Meslier, who has Premier League experience, Tzolis, who registered 51 goal contributions for Club Brugge during last season and Guimarães, who was a consistent performer during his five year spell at Newcastle United.

Coventry City have also been busy, as they look to build on their success from last season. The Sky Blues have brought in striker Cherif, who played for Fenerbahçe last season, striker Awoniyi, who has four years of Premier League experience, Hamer, who was a fan favourite during his time in Coventry. Other additions include midfielder Yirenkyi, who represented Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, Rushworth, who made his deal permanent after a fantastic loan spell last season, defender Amenda, who joined from Frankfurt, winger Tchaouna, who played 29 Premier League games for Burnley last season, scoring two and providing one assist, and last but not least Onyeka, who also made his move permanent this summer.

Arsenal failed to win any of their three pre-season matches in 90 minutes, however, did manage to beat last season’s FA Cup winners Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield. Coventry City on the other hand enjoyed a successful pre-season, against tough opposition. Following their 0-0 draw against Northampton Town, The Sky Blues beat Espanyol 3-1, who finished mid table in La Liga last season, and Monaco 2-0, who finished 7th in Ligue 1.