Young Forest forward Brennan Johnson goes down close to the corner flag on the left.

It looked like he was fouled, but referee James Linington waves play on.

Martyn Waghorn could prove to be an astute signing for Coventry City.

The experienced striker was picked up on a free transfer from last season's strugglers Derby County.

The offside flag denies Waghorn and the Sky Blues an early sight at goal as he strayed just ahead of the away defence.

The sun is out for the opening stages of Coventry's first home game in the city since April 2019.

An early Forest free-kick goes forward but drifts behind for a goal kick.

After a minute's applause and then a period of silence for George Curtis before kick-off, the final game of the opening weekend of the Championship season is under way.

Pre-season hasn't been straightforward for either of these sides, with Forest having friendlies against Aston Villa and Burnley called off because of coronavirus cases at the club. Coventry also suffered a call-off against Norwich.

Will either side show any sign of rustiness?

Image source, .

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at the Coventry Building Society Arena

It's only been 17 months. But you almost forget what a real difference the sound of fans make to a football match.

I did four matches in empty grounds during lockdown. Probably four too many!

Yesterday I was privileged enough to take in a classic game in the Potteries. Stoke City 3 Reading 2. A great game in a great atmosphere, capped by an absolute explosion of noise when Sam Surridge scored a stunning late winner.

On the way back, I then listened to Rob Gurney and Darren Purse commentating on BBC Radio WM on Birmingham City's 1-0 win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Equally brilliant atmosphere.

But how much noise are this lot going to make . . . ?

Image source, Ged Scott - BBC Sport

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at the Coventry Building Society Arena

One side issue of Coventry's return home today is this ideal chance for fans to remember one of their own, former City player George Curtis, who died last month.

For all his many years as a hard, uncompromising defender in a Sky Blues shirt, Curtis will always be most remembered by Cov fans for his memorable year as joint manager (along with John Sillett), when City shocked Spurs 3-2 to win the FA Cup at Wembley in 1987.

Image source, Ged Scott - BBC Sport Online

That remains the most famous day in the club's history - and there are a galaxy of former City favourites here today (the jovial Sillett included) to take part in the onfield tribute the club have planned.

George, whose memorial service will be held at Coventry Cathedral next week, is also rightly featured on the front of today's matchday programme.

Image source, Rex Features

After two years ground-sharing with Birmingham at St Andrew's, Coventry are back playing in the city they represent.

But what's now known as the Coventry Building Society Arena hasn't always been a happy home for the Sky Blues, who first moved there from Highfield Road in 2005.

Because of ownership and tenancy wrangles, Coventry also spent a year in exile in Northampton in 2013-14.

After surviving in the Championship last season, over 20,000 fans are expected as the club start their third spell at the stadium.

Click here to read more from Ged Scott on Coventry's latest homecoming.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at the Coventry Building Society Arena

It's now 833 days since Coventry supporters last witnessed a competitive fixture in their own city, when Jordan Shipley scored in a 1-1 League One draw with Shrewsbury Town on 28 April 2019.

And much has changed since.

City are now a division higher, they have spent two seasons playing up the road in Birmingham, there has been a global pandemic and the name of the ground here in Coventry has changed too.

The stadium formerly known as the Ricoh Arena is now the Coventry Building Society Arena - and there is much evidence both inside and outside the stadium of all the rebranding work that is still going on, including this marvellous array of pre-match cup cakes in the press room . . .

Image source, Ged Scott - BBC Sport

Haven't touched so much as a crumb, honestly!

But there is still a lot rebranding work to be done.

As far as the highways of Coventry are concerned, all roads still lead to the Ricoh . . .

Image source, Ged Scott - BBC Sport

Sky Blues boss Mark Robins hands debuts to keeper Simon Moore, defender Ian Maatsen and striker Martyn Waghorn.

Ben Sheaf and Viktor Gyokeres, signed after loan spells last season, are also involved. Jodi Jones is on the bench after long-term injury.

Coventry XI: Moore, Dacosta, McFadzean, Hyam, Dabo, Hamer, Sheaf, Maatsen, O'Hare, Gyokeres, Waghorn.

Subs: Wilson (GK), Pask, Rose, Kelly, Jones, Allen, Shipley, Walker.

Forest boss Chris Hughton has only made two signings this summer, and both keeper Ethan Horvath and winger Philip Zinckernagel - who joined from Watford on Friday - are on the bench.

There's a start for young forward Brennan Johnson, who impressed on loan at Lincoln last season.

Nottm Forest XI: Samba, Gabriel, Mbe Soh, McKenna, Bong, Yates (capt), Colback, Lolley, Johnson, Mighten, Taylor.

Subs: Horvath (GK), Figueiredo, Back, Fornah, Cafu, Zinckernagel, Carvalho.

David Jackson
BBC Radio Nottingham Sport

After years of constant change and multiple signings - 15 last summer alone - the quiet of this pre-season has been extraordinary. So far there's been just two signings.

Forest will surely need more than that before the end of August if they're to challenge, especially given their problems with creating and scoring goals last season.

However, young midfielder Brennan Johnson is back from a successful loan spell at Lincoln and looks like he could cause Championship defences a problem or two, and Alex Mighten is looking every bit a first-team player in pre-season so far.

Chris Hughton always does well when he has a full season in the Championship and there's cautious optimism about the new campaign.

Steve Ogrizovic
Coventry City's record appearance maker

It was a magnificent performance in Coventry’s first season back in the Championship, and the club returning to the city to play home games is another important step. Birmingham City were very good to us, but it wasn’t home.

Between now and the end of August I expect more signings to come in so don’t expect the squad to stay the same. Mark Robins likes to use the loan system, and so this isn’t the finished article.

It’s been a difficult pre-season with coronavirus disrupting preparations. I’m very excited to see Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen, who could be one of the shining lights. He’ll be athletic and quick, and played 35 games at Charlton last season. He’ll be well-suited to the Championship.

They’ll want to improve on last season, but I think the way things are financially, a comfortable mid-table finish will be a success.

Image source, Getty Images

Ready for another Championship clash?

Coventry City and Nottingham Forest finished 16th and 17th respectively last season, with just three points separating the sides.

The Sky Blues are back playing in Coventry and have made some handy summer signings, while Forest have been relatively quiet in the transfer market.

So how do our local radio correspondents think these clubs will fare in 2020-21?

After the clash on the banks of the Thames, there's another Championship game to bring you.

Coventry City make their return to their spiritual home after two years playing in Birmingham.

Nottingham Forest are the visitors at 16:30 BST.

I'll be back with the build-up 15 minutes before kick-off.

The hosts were on top for most of the game, and Whites boss Marco Silva has a face like thunder after being denied a win in his first competitive game in charge.

Boro counterpart Neil Warnock is loving it - having a word with Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and a cuddle with Whites forward Neeskens Kebano.

Warnock and his players go over to applaud the travelling fans, who finished in fine voice as the Teessiders finished the game strongly.

It ends level at Craven Cottage.

Fulham led through Harry Wilson's first-half strike but Boro hit back through Marc Bola with 13 minutes left.

Image source, Rex Features

The result means all three relegated sides have failed to win on their return to the Championship.

Lively finish. Fulham survive another free-kick launched forward.

Aboubakar Kamara looks to launch a counter-attack but loses his momentum and gives the ball away.

Boro come back and Marcus Tavernier has a shot blocked inside the box.

Boro's Paddy McNair does attempt a shot at goal this time.

But it's over the bar.

Isaiah Jones skins Fulham right-back Kenny Tete.

Then the young winger is tripped by a lunging challenge a yard outside the corner of the box.

Another tasty position for a free-kick.

Paddy McNair whips in the ball to the near post, but Fulham captain Tim Ream heads it away from danger.

Boro are finishing strongly.

Fulham head away a deep free-kick from Paddy McNair, but then Josh Onomah trips Isaiah Jones on the left.

This is a better position to swing the ball in from.

The board goes up - and there will be five added minutes.