The wait is finally over. Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title tonight when newly promoted Coventry City visit the Emirates for the opening game of the 2026/27 season.For the first time in 22 years, the Gunners start a Premier League campaign as reigning champions, and Mikel Arteta will be looking for his side to carry the momentum of last weekend’s impressive 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City into the new season.Confirmed Arsenal team to face Coventry City 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 Your Premier League opening day XI Presented by @deel pic.twitter.com/yRf2BEs3BA— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 21, 2026 There were a couple of fitness questions for Arteta ahead of tonight’s 8pm kick-off. Bruno Guimaraes has continued to be assessed after coming off at half-time against Manchester City, while Jurrien Timber is edging closer to his return from a groin injury.Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are available despite having limited minutes during pre-season, but William Saliba remains sidelined with a back problem.Arsenal looking to start title defence with a winCoventry certainly shouldn’t be underestimated. Frank Lampard guided the Sky Blues to the Championship title last season, finishing 11 points clear and securing their return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence.They will, however, be without last season’s top scorer Haji Wright, who has been ruled out for a few months with a quad injury.Arsenal’s opening-day record provides plenty of encouragement. We have won our first Premier League fixture in each of the last four seasons and are unbeaten in 45 home league matches against promoted teams.Arteta made it clear before the game that despite last season’s success, the hunger remains. The challenge now is to start the title defence in exactly the right way.What do you make of Arteta’s starting XI tonight? Are you happy with the team he’s selected, and what’s your score prediction against Coventry? Let us know in the comments._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsConfirmed Arsenal Team vs Coventry City as the Champions Begin Their Title Defence21 August 2026, 18:45Atletico Madrid will sell Alvarez to Arsenal if he wants the move21 August 2026, 18:00“We start from scratch” Arteta relishes being chased by Premier League rivals21 August 2026, 16:30The post Confirmed Arsenal Team vs Coventry City as the Champions Begin Their Title Defence appeared first on Just Arsenal News.