Manchester City will aim to preserve their perfect start to the season when they host Coventry City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Enzo Maresca’s side potentially moving to the top of the table.
City began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bournemouth before producing a more convincing performance in a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace last time out. A further three points against Coventry could be enough to take them into first place, depending on results elsewhere.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST.
Coventry City and manager Frank Lampard have endured a difficult return to the top flight. They have lost both of their opening matches and are yet to score a goal, leaving them facing a major challenge against a Manchester City side that has made an unbeaten start.
The hosts are strong favourites and have suffered only one defeat in their past 21 domestic home matches. That loss came in Pep Guardiola’s final game last season.
Injury news and expected line-ups
Maresca will be unable to call on Jeremy Doku, who remains out with a calf injury. Matheus Nunes is also unavailable because of a muscle problem.
Coventry have a longer injury list. Haji Wright is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Frank Onyeka is absent with a hip problem. Sidiki Cherif is not yet fit, and Bobby Thomas is doubtful after suffering cramp.
Manchester City’s predicted starting line-up is: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Dias, Guehi, Gvardiol; Anderson, Bouaddi; Foden, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland.
Coventry City’s predicted starting line-up is: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Pinnock, Amenda, Dasilva; Yirenkyi, Grimes, Rudoni; Mason-Clark, Awoniyi.
The match represents another opportunity for City to build early momentum in the title race. Maresca is already focused on competing at the top of the table, and victory would strengthen his team’s position after two wins from their first two games.
There is also a notable record in City’s favour when they face newly promoted opposition. Maresca’s most recent meeting with a promoted club ended in a 3-1 defeat by Leeds while he was Chelsea manager in December 2025.
However, Manchester City have not lost any of their past 30 matches against newly promoted sides. During that run, they have recorded 27 victories and three draws.
Their last defeat in this fixture sequence was a 2-1 loss to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds in April 2021. On paper, Coventry face a difficult assignment at Etihad Stadium, although Lampard’s side will be hoping to end their wait for a first goal and first points of the top-flight season.