Arsenal open their Premier League title defence against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening, just days after thrashing Manchester City in the Community Shield.Mikel Arteta’s side head into the new season as champions and heavy favourites against newly promoted opposition. The performance in Cardiff last weekend, capped by Calafiori’s goal inside 26 seconds, gave an early indication of the intent Arteta wants to carry into the campaign proper.Arsenal team newsWilliam Saliba remains out long-term with a back injury, and Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a groin problem. Bruno Guimarães is a doubt for Friday after being substituted at half-time in the Community Shield with a thigh problem, later seen with an ice pack applied.Arteta gave little away when asked about his fitness: “Let’s see how he is. He’s evolving really well, but let’s see for tomorrow.” Should he not be risked, Myles Lewis-Skelly is the likely replacement in midfield.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are both confirmed fit. The pair returned late from England’s deep World Cup run and appeared as substitutes in the Community Shield win over Manchester City — both are now expected to start. Arteta has strongly implied, without confirming outright, that Ezri Konsa’s move from Aston Villa is imminent, though the defender will not be involved against Coventry regardless.Kai Havertz is expected to lead the line, having scored in the Community Shield, with Viktor Gyökeres a viable option from the bench. Martin Ødegaard operates just behind the front line. David Raya continues in goal, with Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori at full-back.Arsenal predicted lineupArsenal possible starting XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, TzolisWhen will the match kick off?The Premier League match kicks off at 20:00 BST on Friday, 21 August 2026.How to watch Arsenal vs Coventry City?The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.Read more – Carrick confirms Man Utd star will return ‘very, very soon’See also – Alonso addresses Enzo Fernandez’ Chelsea future amid Man City linksFollow the Football Faithful on Social Media:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTokThe post Arsenal vs Coventry City – Predicted lineup and team news appeared first on The Football Faithful.