There’s nothing quite like the first game of a new Premier League season. Everyone’s on zero points, everyone’s got a fresh excuse for optimism, and suddenly every summer signing looks like the missing piece.

For Arsenal, though, Friday night is a little different. They’re not just starting a new campaign — they’re starting the defence of their Premier League title. The Gunners welcome newly promoted Coventry City to the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta’s side expected to get off to a winning start.

And if Arsenal’s Community Shield performance is anything to go by, Coventry could have picked a slightly nicer fixture for their return to the big time.

Arsenal were excellent against Manchester City last weekend, cruising to a 3-0 victory and looking every inch a side ready to go again. Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard got the goals, while new signing Christos Tzolis made an immediate impression with two assists.

That’s probably the biggest headache for Coventry. Arsenal have quality all over the pitch, and they now have even more depth to work with.

Bruno Guimarães is the headline addition, arriving from Newcastle in a £75m deal, although there is a question mark over whether he’ll feature after picking up a leg issue in the Community Shield. Declan Rice may also be managed carefully after only playing 45 minutes last weekend.

Still, even with a couple of players missing or being eased in, Arsenal have plenty of weapons. Bukayo Saka, Ødegaard and Havertz can cause serious problems, while the home side should be looking to dominate possession and pin Coventry back.

For Coventry, this is about as tough as Premier League returns get.

After 25 years away from the top flight, Frank Lampard’s side have been handed a trip to the reigning champions on the opening night. They then face Manchester City in their next fixture, so the fixture computer really hasn’t shown much sympathy.

But that might actually make this a free hit for Coventry. Nobody seriously expects them to stroll into the Emirates and boss Arsenal, so Lampard’s team can simply go out there, compete and see what happens.

Coventry have also invested heavily over the summer, reportedly spending around £100m on new recruits as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. They’ve got every intention of staying up rather than treating this as a one-season adventure.

The key for them will be surviving the early pressure. If they can frustrate Arsenal for the first 20 or 30 minutes, the crowd could get a little twitchy. But if Arsenal score early, it could become a very long evening.

So, what’s the prediction?

It’s difficult to look past Arsenal here. The champions are at home, they’ve already shown good form, and they’ve got the confidence that comes with finally winning the title last season.

Coventry will give it a go, and there’s every chance they make things awkward for a while. But over 90 minutes, Arsenal should simply have too much.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Coventry.

A new season, a new challenge and, Arsenal fans will hope, another title charge. Not a bad way to kick things off.

DJ