Arsenal vs Coventry: 3 key battles as Mikel Arteta's team open Premier League season

Arsenal take part in the Premier League's curtain raiser on Friday night when they host Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have the opportunity to get off to a flying start in the defence of their crown, with Frank Lampard's newly promoted Sky Blues visiting N5. While the Chelsea legend's side were exceptional in the Championship last term, the top flight will be a monumental step up for them, and they'll be thrown in the deep end in their first match back in the big time since 2001 by travelling to the reigning champions.

This should be a routine victory for Arsenal on opening night, although they cannot afford to be complacent. Coventry have some dangerous forwards who can certainly cause the Gunners issues on the counter-attack.

With that said, here are the key battles that we believe could be pivotal in dictating the outcome of the game at the Emirates.

Bukayo Saka vs Jay Dasilva

Ultimately, a lot of Arsenal's tactical plan is to be conservative in possession, recover into their defensive shape quickly when losing the ball and then rely on individual wide men to unlock the opposition's defence. Bukayo Saka is the man who makes the difference with the final tactical pillar, and thus, the game could ultimately be determined by his individual battle with Coventry left-back Jay Dasilva.

Dasilva enjoyed an exceptional season for Coventry last year, but was widely praised for what he offered in possession. Defensively, he can be vulnerable to being beaten by smooth operators like Saka.

This should therefore be a position where Arsenal can exploit the Sky Blues. If Saka is on his game, there'll only be one winner, particularly with a purring Martin Odegaard available to combine with him in the right-half space.

Cristhian Mosquera vs Ellis Simms

If there is an area of vulnerability in Arsenal's team right now, it's arguably the right-hand side of their defence. Without William Saliba, they don't have their imperious defensive force to mop up every opposition attack when their midfield is occassionally breached.

With Ezri Konsa's transfer not likely to be registered in time for him to feature, Cristhian Mosquera will step up in Saliba's absence. The Spaniard impressed in the Community Shield, but doesn't offer the same assurances as his French counterpart does.

On top of this, he'll be playing against the physically robust and intelligent Ellis Simms, who was key to Coventry's promotion charge last term. The striker found the back of the net 13 times in the second tier last term, and certainly has the ability to trouble Mosquera, who he'll undoubtedly pin himself to.

If the Arsenal man can come out on top, the Gunners should be able to entirely negate Coventry's threat.

Bruno Guimaraes vs Matt Grimes

Bruno Guimaraes will be making his home debut for Arsenal and his first Premier League appearance for his new club. While this should be a somewhat comfy first outing on paper, he'll have a key role to play against Coventry's orchestrator.

Matt Grimes dictates Coventry's build-up from the base of midfield with his excellent range of passing. If Guimaraes can lock the Englishman down by pressing him high immediately when he gets on the ball, then Arsenal should have nothing to worry about when it comes to Lampard's men launching quick counters against them.

Today's best reads

Arsenal vs Coventry City: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Arsenal vs Coventry: Predicted starting 11 for first Premier League game of the season

How Arsenal could line up at the start of the season with Ezri Konsa in defence

Transfer developments, Konsa verdict, and more: Everything that could happen at Arsenal this week

Frank Lampard just revealed what Arsenal fans already love about Mikel Arteta