Arsenal v Coventry City Preview

Normally I'd include info like how we did against Arse in our most recent fixtures but thats not really relevant. Or how City will probably line up but with so many new players I havent a clue so thats guesswork. Or maybe a score prediction but with not much to go on except Arse are PL champions and just spanked Man City in the Community Shield so thats not much of a goer either!

Presser

Past Meetings

I've made a page dedicated to past meetings with some video highlights HERE.

Spoiler - We have conceded 15 goals in our last 4 visits to Arse!

City Team News

City will be without HWWW for 11 weeks with that quad injury. That could mean Ellis Simms up front or maybe a debut for Taiwo Awoniyi. I think its too soon for Sidiki Ishotthe Cherif. EMC with a hamstring injury and Rudoni recovering shoulder surgery are "in contention" according to SFL. I can't see them being risked but we are going to have possibly the strongest City bench of all time. Rumour has it Dan Bentley is signing from Wolves as cover for Rushworth. Bentley is an extremely experienced keeper with over 400 appearances for Bristol City, Brentord and Southend. Dovin is obviously not fit yet and will need some loan time whilst Ben Wilson maybe on his way.

Personally I think City will line up like this. 4-3-3 in possession, 4-5-1 without it. The midfield 3 of Grimes, Yirenkyi and FTT will try and keep things tight in the midfield and protect the back 4. Its going to be important that BTA and Tcaotuna protect the full backs but equally City can't just play for a draw.

If that starting line up is correct there are 3 new players in there. That leaves the spine of the team intact with most of our big players from last year still in there such as Rushworth, MVE, Grimes and FTT. That should alay any fears of the team needing time to gel. The biggest issue is going to be the step up in quality, City will get punished for things they got away with last season.

Arse Team News

Bruno Guimarães will probably make his debut following his move from Newcastle although was subbed in the Community Shield and then had ice on his leg. They will however be wothout first choice defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber and that could be an opening for a City team that scored from 29 set pieces last season.

Player Links

City will face Viktor for the first time since he left following the play off defeat to Luton. In many ways his sale, along with Hamer, enabled City to bring in players like MVE and get us to where we are now. Viktor will get a good reception from City fans and vice versa. I'll be disappointed if he celebrates if he scores though!

LAST Prediction

I think City will give this a damn good go. There's a school of thought that its a good time to play Arse - first game of the season, World Cup hangovers, etc. There is some merit to that but no mistake, City are playing away to one of the best club sides in Europe, if not the world but hey, thats what we got promoted for right? City will no doubt play more direct this season in fixtures like this. Rushworth is going to have to be close to MOTM, the midfield is going to have to work harder than ever and if, if City get a chance they have to take it.

LAST Prediction : 1-1
Huwligan* Prediction: 2-0
ChatGTP Prediction : 2-0

* "Huwligan" is Huw, 7 1/2 year old son of Greg "Sweet of the Match" from LAST 1.0. More to come from him, believe me!

Spotify Playlist

Stu Court's playlist for Arse away is here.

For an alternative match preview, check out EthanCF's: