gg2
Coventry Hull Ipswich tough fixtures
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Coventry, Hull and Ipswich face tough Premier League starts. Their opening fixtures could decide their survival chances.
Background
Coventry, Hull and Ipswich were promoted to the Premier League for the 2026-27 season. Analysts have ranked their opening fixtures, with Coventry and Hull facing particularly difficult runs against top teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United. These early matches are seen as crucial for the promoted clubs to pick up points and avoid relegation.
How it unfolded
- Aug 14, 2026Opta Analyst publishes a survival guide, noting Hull's poor defensive record and ranking Coventry's opening fixtures as tied for the hardest.
- Aug 17, 2026ESPN ranks the fixtures, placing Hull and Coventry among the toughest starts, while Ipswich's is ranked ninth easiest.
- Aug 19, 2026BBC Sport reports on the promoted teams' preparations, including Hull's injury concerns ahead of their opener against Manchester United.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Hull appear likely to face the toughest battle for survival, while Coventry and Ipswich may have slightly better chances.
- Caution
- Coventry's opening fixtures are ranked as tied for the hardest, with trips to Arsenal and Manchester City.