LIVE: Arsenal vs Coventry City – Follow Awoniyi, Saka, scores, goals, & EPL result

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence against newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium tonight, with Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi hoping to make his debut for the visitors, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Gunners enter the new campaign as Premier League champions after a hugely successful 2025/26 season, while Coventry return to England’s top flight for the first time since 2001 after winning the Championship last season.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to start their title defence with a victory after beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield last weekend.

Bukayo Saka is among the Arsenal players garnering attention after returning to action following the 2026 World Cup. The England international came off the bench against Manchester City and is expected to play a key role for the Gunners this season.

For Nigerian fans, the main focus will be on Awoniyi, who completed his permanent move from Nottingham Forest to Coventry earlier this week.

The 29-year-old striker joined the Sky Blues in a deal worth around £9 million and could make his Coventry debut against the reigning Premier League champions.

Follow the Arsenal vs Coventry City live match here:

Arsenal vs Coventry lineups

Arsenal have Bukayo Saka in their starting XI, while new signing Bruno Guimarães misses out after suffering a thigh injury.

Taiwo Awoniyi starts on the Coventry bench and could be introduced during the second half.

Arsenal XI: David Raya; Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Christos Tzolis; Kai Havertz.

Coventry XI: Carl Rushworth; Milan van Ewijk, Bobby Thomas, Aurèle Amenda, Jay Da Silva; Caleb Yirenkyi, Grimes, Frank Onyeka; Loum Tchaouna, Brandon Thomas-Asante; Ellis Simms.

Saka’s inclusion is particularly significant after the Arsenal winger missed part of pre-season following his involvement at the World Cup. Arsenal’s confirmed team also includes Rice, while Guimarães is absent through injury.

Coventry are returning to the Premier League after 25 years away, making Friday’s fixture their first top-flight match since the 2000/01 campaign.

Follow Afrik-Foot for the final score, goals, key moments and reactions from the Emirates Stadium.