Coventry City

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Frank Lampard has warned his Coventry squad he is not in the business of giving Premier League presents.

The Sky Blues host Hull City on Saturday, their first Premier League home game in 25 years after last season's promotion.

Lampard has signed 10 new players this summer, with Manchester City defender Stephen Mfuni also expected to join on loan.

But, Lampard insisted everyone must prove their worth.

He said: "I'm not here to give gifts of Premier League games to players unless they compete and show that they're ready to play in the league, and I think we need that. So there might be a bit more edge around it and I think that can be a positive thing.

"You have to understand the human side of it. The players who got us here want to now show they can do it in the Premier League.

"There's also a brutal reality to that. You have to understand the competitive nature of the squad has changed - whether you were here before or whether you're new into the team, you just have to compete at a level that's going to make us better. "

Lampard, though, understands it is important to strike a balance between the new players and last season's squad who won the Championship title to achieve Premier League football.

"The season we had last year was incredible," he said. "It was a real sweet spot of a small, tight-knit squad not expected to be automatically promoted, with players who are developing - that really develop and show their stuff - and you win the league by 11 points. It's not always going to be that good.

"I want the reaction of a player to go: 'Oh, you brought him in - let me show that I'm better than him.' That has to be the mentality of it."

Paul Birch
BBC Sport journalist

A first top-flight meeting between Coventry City and Hull City becomes the 1,454th different fixture to be played in England's top division and the 942nd since the Premier League was formed. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes going into Saturday's match.

These newly promoted sides face each other having had contrasting fortunes from tough assignments on their Premier League comebacks.

Having been roundly tipped to make an immediate return to the Championship, Hull City were in dreamland after confounding their critics as the Tigers tore into Manchester United.

The doom-laden pre-season predictions had irked everyone at the club, with head coach Sergej Jakirovic calling it "disrespect", so a 2-0 victory over the 13-time Premier League champions will have tasted particularly sweet.

"We are trying to prove people wrong," he said afterwards. "I know there are 37 games to go, but this is a good base for the future.

"We showed last season we are mentally very strong and that we can compete against everyone - maybe that is the key. This victory is amazing because now they are convinced they can compete at this level."

His assistant, Dean Holden, revealed after the game that they had been planning for weeks to play a back three to target weaknesses they had spotted studying Manchester United's matches in pre-season.

Victory was achieved despite having just 28% possession and similar low figures are set to become the norm for Hull this season. "We are comfortable without the ball," Holden said. "It isn't like we are coming up here having dominated the Championship and now we have to change our style. We are comfortable in a mid-block - that is one of our biggest strengths - and playing on the counter-attack is as well."

Coventry desperate for points amid tricky start

Coventry, of course, cannot be properly judged on their opening match given facing Arsenal is arguably the toughest gig in club football at the moment.

In what was a baptism of fire in their first top-flight game for 25 years, they found themselves two goals down and on the ropes at the Emirates after just 23 minutes. To their credit, the Sky Blues didn't cave in, but it was a salutary lesson in the gulf in class between the Championship and the Premier League.

Their first Premier League home fixture since a 0-0 draw with Bradford City in May 2001 is on paper an much easier test than the facing the Gunners, but that performance by Hull against Manchester United has heaped more pressure on Frank Lampard's side.

As defeat for the Sky Blues would leave them six points adrift of their fellow promoted side after just two matches, a far from ideal scenario especially as Opta's calculations rate Coventry's opening schedule as being the toughest of any team.

Picking up points at the CBS Arena will be crucial and they boasted the best home record in the Championship last season, amassing 55 points from their 23 games (W17, D4, L2).

Lampard will be desperate to improve on a record of just one win in his past 18 top-flight games as a manager, and no clean sheets in his past 17. But he can at least fall back on excellent results against Hull City. Eight matches without defeat versus the Tigers is the best record of his managerial career, while he was also unbeaten against them in six top-flight matches as a player.

Image source, Getty Images

Coventry have confirmed defender Miguel Angel Brau has joined Portuguese side Academico de Viseu on a season-long loan.

The 24-year-old made 11 appearances during the 2025-26 campaign having signed at the start of the season.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Boss Frank Lampard has backed Coventry fans to help give them the edge in any survival battle.

The Sky Blues host Hull on Saturday to end a wait of a quarter of a century for Premier League football at home.

It is the first top flight game at the CBS Arena, with the Sky Blues relegated in 2001 while at Highfield Road.

Lampard took Coventry to the Championship title last season and expects another party atmosphere on Saturday.

"After 25 years and how our fans are, I expect them to be electric for every game," said Lampard. "Now, every game will test you and through 90 minutes it will be tough moments, we have to do our bit.

"But this is a particularly exciting game because it's the first one but I also have to focus on performance of the team and all those details.

"No doubt the fans will be very excited and we want to tap into that and we want to play with that energy.

"We have to be realistic about the level of opposition that will be coming here through the course of the season and the difficulties we may have in certain moments.

"It's a club where the fans have a deep affection for lots of individuals within the squad, they sing individual names, they sing collectively for the group and of course they'll be there for us in the good and the more difficult times because it's such a big deal for us."

Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi hopes his goals can help the Sky Blues secure survival and remain in the Premier League as he puts the club's priorities ahead of any personal targets.

He told BBC Radio CWR about his ambitions after signing from Nottingham Forest: "I'm just a player that goes with the flow.

"Of course, I always have my own personal target but when I come to a new environment. The goal is what the environment needs and, for me now, the thing I believe we need most is just to stay in the league, which is my personal target."

The 29-year-old Nigerian striker joined Coventry in a deal worth £9m having scored 23 goals in 103 games for Forest.

"I know, as a striker, the goal is to score the goals, but before the goals you need to work for it.

"So, for me my target is just to work as hard as I can for the club, for the team and, at the end, the goals will come naturally - and hopefully they will keep us in the league."

Listen above or click here to hear more from Awoniyi on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Coventry boss Frank Lampard has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Hull City at CBS Arena (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• There are no new injury concerns going into the weekend, with Jack Rudoni and Ephron Mason-Clarke returning to the matchday squad in Tuesday's Carabao Cup win at Plymouth.

• On the arrival of Ethan Pinnock from Brentford: "He's a player I've admired for a long time. Lots of Premier League experience at a very good club. He strengthens the squad."

• Lampard said lessons were learned in their opening defeat by Arsenal, but "to give some credit, it was - for a lot of them - their first Premier League game". He added: "We have to now move on from that. We competed to a level, but we can do better and we will do better going forward."

• He said he is "excited to see" what his side can do against Hull and wants them to "play with the energy and intensity" that they did last season at home.

• On Saturday's opponents: "You can't disrespect Hull because they've just beaten Manchester United in their first game and they will be feeling very good about themselves. It is a different challenge to what Arsenal was."

• He said "there's an expectation that we can compete" against the Tigers and "be favourites for this game", but given their threat he "will never talk Hull down".

• On needing the fans as the 12th man: "After 25 years, and knowing how our fans are, I expect them to be electric in every game."

• He said "it is possible" that goalkeeper Oliver Dovin could be sent out on loan to get regular playing time. Lampard added: "He's a very talented goalkeeper. He's fine, but he's not played many minutes. That's why we're analysing over the next couple of days to see if there's a good option for him to play regularly."

• On facing Aston Villa in the third round of the Carabao Cup: "An exciting draw and to be at home is great for us. It's the derby feel and factor. I know of it, but I've not lived it so I'm sure it will be an electric night. I'm excited for when it comes."

Hit play above to hear more from Lampard, speaking to BBC CWR's Rob Gurney, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Listen to full commentary of Saturday's match on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

All the key lines from Thursday's Premier League news conferences

Got a question about Coventry? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Newly promoted Coventry City are in talks to sign Manchester City defender Stephen Mfuni on a season-long loan deal.

The 18-year-old made his first-team debut as a substitute in the FA Cup third round last season, before going on to make eight appearances on loan at Watford in the Championship.

Several clubs from the second tier have reportedly been interested in signing Mfuni, but he now appears set to play under Frank Lampard at the CBS Arena.

Coventry have been busy in the transfer market on their return to the Premier League, signing 10 players so far for a total outlay of about £130m.

Image source, Getty Images

The draw for the Carabao Cup third round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties involving Premier League teams in the order they were drawn.

The matches will be played in the weeks commencing September 7 and September 14.

• Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough

• Manchester United v Brighton

• Manchester City v Norwich City

• Sunderland v Hull City

• Ipswich Town v Arsenal

• Coventry City v Aston Villa

• Bournemouth v Lincoln City

• Liverpool v Tottenham

• Chelsea or Luton Town v Leeds

• Millwall v Newcastle United

• Everton v Wolves

• Reading v Brentford

• West Ham v Fulham or AFC Wimbledon

Read more and see the full draw

Image source, Getty Images

New Coventry City signing Ethan Pinnock says he understands the magnitude of the club's return to the Premier League after 25 years of waiting.

The 33-year-old centre-back has left Brentford and penned a permanent deal at the CBS Arena for an undisclosed fee.

Since leaving Barnsley in July 2019, Pinnock has featured 216 times in all competitions for the Bees, including 117 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists.

"I'm really excited to join Coventry City and continue my footballing journey with this great club," Pinnock said. "After 25 years, this club is back in the Premier League.

"I know how much it must mean to everyone involved with the club and the supporters - and I can't wait to be a part of it.

"I'm really looking forward to getting to work. I can't wait to meet everyone and represent this football club, especially at the CBS Arena."

Alongside his extensive top-flight experience, Pinnock has also represented Jamaica 28 times, featuring in both the Copa America and Gold Cup for his country.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Coventry are in the hunt for Mykhailo Mudryk as the Chelsea winger looks to get his career back on track after testing positive for banned substance meldonium and serving a 20-month suspension.

Defensive cover is also likely to be needed by Frank Lampard while players like Luke Woolfenden could leave on loan.

Conna Chahal, Coventry fan

Honestly, I think we have done enough in the transfer window to build a team that can stay up in this league.

What business do you think still needs to get done before 23:00 BST on 1 September?

Get in touch with your views

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Coventry City's 4-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Cup second round.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: A welcome win, but our defensive frailties were laid bare again, albeit with a changed back four against League One opponents. Liam Kitching seems an accident waiting to happen, but great to see Jack Rudoni back. Onwards and upwards to Saturday.

David: After being totally outplayed by Arsenal, perhaps not unsurprisingly, I was looking for a convincing win against Plymouth. This wasn't it. Once we were 2-0 up we looked very vulnerable.

Read below to see what Rudoni and Lampard have had to say.

Image source, Getty Images

Jack Rudoni speaking after Coventry's League Cup win at Plymouth: "It was good to be back out there. I obviously missed all the pre-season. Got my 30 minutes back into the game at the Emirates the other day and then nice to start and get 60 in my legs today.

"Top it off with a goal and a win. The boys have done well to not have a slip up. These games can be a bit awkward sometimes. Plymouth have done well to get back to 2-2, but we got the job done. You can never tale away a win, so we're happy to be in the next round.

"We should have put the game to bed. The goals were sloppy from us to concede. You have to just go with what happens and react. We reacted well. They finished off the goals nicely and we did well to keep focused and restore our lead and get into the next round.

"I would also like to dedicate that goal to my grandad. It was his funeral yesterday (Monday). That goal was for him.

"He is with me throughout every game I play now. He was the man that got me kicking a ball."

Get in touch with your views on Coventry's 4-2 victory

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and subscribe to the dedicated Coventry City page to get all Sky Blues audio content.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The third-round draw for the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday, 26 August following the conclusion of Preston North End vs Everton.

Nine Premier League clubs taking part in European football join the 23 first-round winners from across the English Football League.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Brighton and Crystal Palace will enter the competition at this stage, as the top eight Premier League clubs from the 2025-26 season plus Crystal Palace as Conference League winners.

It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of the third round tie between Preston North End and Everton, kicking off at 20:00 BST.

Unlike the opening two rounds of the competition, the third round draw is not regionalised.

However, before the match at Deepdale there will be a pre-draw determining which of the Champions League and Europa League clubs will play at home or away in round three.

In order to avoid potential scheduling issues, the eight Champions League and Europa League clubs cannot be drawn against each other in round three.

When the draw takes place, the first eight fixtures decided are the ones involving clubs in the Champions League and Europa League. The remainder of the draw will be an open draw as usual.

Due to clashes with opening weeks of the Champions League and Europa League seasons, the third round will be played across two different weeks. They are the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September, 2026.

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard speaking to BBC Radio CWR: "Great start to the game, obviously great goal. Taiwo's [Awoniyi] goal was brilliant. Great play from us, playing through them, getting his goal. Same with [Jack] Rudoni, great goal. It affected us a little bit after that, you should really put the game to bed, and we didn't.

"Both goals were our big mistakes. We have to take it on the chin, you can't make those mistakes at any level, Premier League, cup, Plymouth, so those are things that we need to improve on. Some stuff was really good, we came strong, made subs, Ephron [Mason-Clark] comes on and does what he does. Some good, some bits to get better.

"It's great to see Ephron looking like that because he's had a small hamstring issue that we needed to get right and it's a shame to miss bits of pre-season, but he looks fit, he looked strong and we know what a big player he is for us. And [Victor] Torpe is calm and technically really, really good player as we all know already here. Very, very happy with that."

Listen to the full interview above or on BBC Sounds here

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies

There are six Premier League teams in action on Tuesday in the second round of the EFL Cup, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Ipswich v Leicester

• Plymouth v Coventry

• Stoke City v Hull City

• Birmingham v Brentford (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Leeds (20:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Kick-off 19:45 BST unless stated.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Birmingham City v Brentford" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Nottingham Forest match", for example.

See the full Carabao Cup second-round fixture list

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