Manchester City can extend a perfect start to the season when they host newly promoted Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s side have won both of their opening matches, while Frank Lampard’s Coventry are yet to open their account for either points or goals.
This will be the two clubs’ first meeting since March 2002, when City won 4-2 at Maine Road with both sides then in the second tier. Their history in the top flight is more competitive than Saturday’s odds suggest, though: Coventry are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League meetings with City (W4 D4), a run stretching back to the 1992-93 season, when City won both fixtures.
Both sides overhauled their squads before Tuesday’s transfer deadline: City completed a club-record £125m deal for Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, while Coventry added eleven new signings across the summer as they returned to the top flight after 25 years away.
Manchester City vs Coventry City – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 BST
- Venue: Etihad Stadium
- Referee: Paul Tierney
- Last meeting: Manchester City 4-2 Coventry City (Second Division, March 2002)
Team news
Manchester City
Jeremy Doku remains sidelined with a calf injury, but Matheus Nunes has recovered from a muscle problem and is available again. Enzo Maresca confirmed deadline-day signing Enzo Fernandez is ready to make his full debut, while fellow new arrival Iliman Ndiaye is also available for selection. Ayyoub Bouaddi, who impressed off the bench last time out, could be handed a first start.
Coventry City
Haji Wright remains a long-term absentee, while Sidiki Cherif is a doubt, though Frank Onyeka has recovered from a hip problem and is available. Bobby Thomas is expected to continue at centre-back having come off with cramp against Hull, with Frank Lampard considering a switch to a five-man defence. Ephron Mason-Clark is set to partner Taiwo Awoniyi in attack, though his involvement is subject to a final fitness check.
Form
Manchester City
Manchester City have made the perfect start under new head coach Enzo Maresca, beating Bournemouth 2-1 before winning 4-1 at Crystal Palace, with Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland scoring twice apiece. City also lead the Premier League for successful passes and passing accuracy so far this season, reflecting the possession-based approach Maresca has already instilled.
Coventry City
Coventry have lost both of their opening fixtures without scoring, beaten 3-0 by Arsenal before a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Hull City. It is a daunting start to their first top-flight campaign in 25 years, coming immediately after winning last season’s Championship title, and Frank Lampard has stressed the need for his players to adjust their mindset.
Predicted lineups
Manchester City predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Bouaddi; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland
Coventry City predicted XI (5-3-2): Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Pinnock, Amenda, Dasilva; Yirenkyi, Grimes, Onyeka; Mason-Clark, Awoniyi
How to watch Manchester City vs Coventry City?
The match falls under the traditional 3pm Saturday blackout and will not be shown live in the UK.
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