
Coventry return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001. They did so in style under Frank Lampard, who helped his team to achieve a staggering 95 points in the Championship, 11 clear of Ipswich in 2nd and 22 points ahead of Hull who will also be joining them in the Premier League.
The big question is whether Coventry, who has spent over two decades outside of the big league, can avoid relegation under former Chelsea boss and establish themselves within the Premier League. They have a strong head coach in the dugout, but will that be enough to guide them to safety? Nathan Joyes takes a closer look and provides his best betting advice for the newly promoted side.
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Coventry couldn't have done much more last season. The Sky Blues dominated the Championship, scoring 97 goals while only conceding 45. They were impressive from start to finish, and although the Premier League is a completely different beast, Coventry absolutely smashed it in the Championship - which is by no means an easy job to do.
Frank Lampard, who's previously overseen stints at Derby and Chelsea, will lead the charge and Coventry fans will be hoping he can continue to deliver results when everyone least expects them to.
The former England international preferred to operate with a 4-2-3-1 attacking formation in the Championship, and it'll be interesting to see if he lines up as attacking against much stronger opponents.
His first job will be to make sure their home record continues. If Coventry are to have any hope of staying up this season, the Coventry Building Society Arena must be bouncing at all times. Sunderland showcased that an intimidating venue can work wonders, and Coventry must replicate that if they are to avoid relegation.
A huge plus for the club is that Coventry have been able to keep hold of their star assets, as well as add a few more to bolster their squad and make sure they are prepared to fight for their Premier League place. Let's introduce those names.
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Lampard has identified that his defence needs to improve if they are to pick up points which is why they have signed Frankfurt's Aurele Amenda for £15m. The right-back made 24 appearances in the Bundesliga last campaign and was recently selected for the Swiss World Cup squad, despite failing to make an appearance.
Brentford's Frank Onyeka has joined as he seeks more minutes, while Coventry have spent a fair chunk of cash to bring in Brighton's Carl Rushworth after his successful loan spell last season. The 25-year-old goalkeeper kept 17 clean sheets last campaign and Lampard was very keen to keep him within his squad.
Nordsjaelland's Caleb Yirenkyi has also signed for a similar fee. The midfielder, who can also slot into defence, had impressed during his time in Denmark and Lampard clearly wanted to strengthen his midfielder, knowing that's where points will be won and lost.
Up front, Lampard is keen to give chances to his top goalscorers from the Championship. Haji Wright scored 17 in 40 appearances, while his strike partner Brandon Thomas-Asante bagged 13 as well as four assists. Ellis Simms scored the same amount from the middle of the park, and all three will be required if the Sky Blues are to avoid the drop.
So, can Coventry prove the bookmakers wrong? Priced at 4/6 to finish in the bottom three and just 3/1 to finish bottom, not many are giving Coventry a chance of surviving this season.
However, out of all three promoted sides, it's clear Coventry have the best chance. They have invested in key areas and Lampard is a strong, up-and-coming head coach that is clearly well liked within the dressing room. If he can keep that going - through the good and bad times - this campaign, there's no reason why Coventry can't be inspired by what Sunderland achieved.
Both Sunderland and Fulham have question marks around them heading into the new Premier League campaign, and Coventry are 11/10 to avoid relegation, and they might just be the team that people underestimate this year. If Lampard can make them hard to beat at home, they have every chance of staying up.

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