Opening home match with Hull pivotal for Coventry

[Getty Images] [Getty Images] It is no surprise to see Coventry given the 2026-27 Premier League opener at Arsenal . Their first top-flight match for 25 years will see the Championship title winners against the Premier League champions and shows the Sky Blues they are back in the big time. It can be viewed as a daunting start, with a trip to Manchester City on 5 September too, but the visit of Hull to the CBS Arena for their first home game of the season will be a special occasion. It is also an immediate reminder of the fight for survival, with the Tigers - the play-off winners - and the Sky Blues two of the favourites for an instant return to the Championship. Victory in that game is vital for both sides. The first game of the last season ended in a 0-0 draw between the two at the CBS Arena, a match which did not hint of the success to come. Fellow promoted side Ipswich come to Coventry on 2 December, with a trip to Portman Road swiftly following a month later. The visit of Aston Villa on 12 December will be a grudge match for Coventry fans, their Midlands rivals having sent them down in 2001. Frank Lampard's side were fearless and free-scoring title winners last term and they will take that confidence into the new campaign.