Football Season Guide

Coventry managed one of the highest goal tallies (97) in recent Championship history, with their 45 goals conceded also being a league-best total, to deservedly secure top spot and a return to the top flight after a 25-year absence. Frank Lampard’s side have prioritised carrying their momentum into the Premier League while keeping together the squad that delivered a thrilling Championship title triumph. They’ve retained the services of Carl Rushworth and Frank Onyeka, while strengthening midfield and attack with the signings of Caleb Yirenkyi and Loum Tchaouna, respectively. Keeping the team’s spine intact was particularly important, giving Lampard a strong foundation to build upon after last season’s success. His next challenge will be deciding whether to retain his preferred 4-2-3-1 or adjust his approach and make Coventry more defensively solid in the Premier League. Last season, Coventry led the Championship for set-piece goals (29), with nearly a third of their season total coming from dead-ball situations. Scoring consistently from set pieces could give them a major boost in their bid to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, Coventry’s biggest concern is whether their promotion-winning squad has enough quality to compete with some of the Premier League’s wealthiest clubs. Last season, Sunderland took a different route by rebuilding their squad and enjoyed a historic campaign, leaving Lampard with a major gamble as he backs the players who got Coventry promoted.