The new Champions League schedule looks set to cause some chaotic fixture spells - especially for Arsenal and Liverpool.
All 20 top-flight teams have discovered how their domestic games have fallen with the release of the fixture list. And it doesn't make for pleasant reading for Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot.
The Gunners have a north London derby away at Tottenham to contend with before their first European game, which is followed by a visit to Manchester City in a brutal week. They host Liverpool just days after their third Champions League outing.
Trips to Newcastle and Chelsea sandwich the fourth fixture, and it doesn't get much better for matchday five, which comes before West Ham away and Manchester United at home all within a seven-day period, reports the Express.
What could be a crunch final group stage game will precede welcoming Manchester City to the Emirates on February 1, which is also just two days before the winter transfer window closes if they need to get any late mid-season business done.
Premier League odds and betting tips
Should Arteta's side reach the knockout stages, they'll head to Old Trafford in between the round of 16 ties, and face Chelsea at home after the second leg. A potential semi-final would be followed by a trip to Liverpool, who themselves face a daunting campaign ahead.
In September, they'll face Chelsea at home, a European group game, and Arsenal away in quick succession. Following matchdays four and five, they'll host Aston Villa and Manchester City respectively.
The new knockout round play-offs in February could prove to be an unwelcome distraction before another huge fixture away at City. They're scheduled to play Villa away just prior to the round of 16 second leg, have Chelsea away in-between the semi-final fixtures, and will welcome Arsenal afterwards.
City's calendar around the group stage is slightly more favourable, although they do have Arsenal at home after the first group game, Liverpool away following the fifth, and United at home after the sixth.
As previously mentioned, Arsenal away follows the final group game, and should they be involved, the knockout round second leg precedes Liverpool at home.
Villa will host United and travel to Liverpool after matchdays two and four. If they manage to defy expectations and progress further, they'll host Liverpool after the round of 16 second leg, and would face United away before the quarter-final first leg.
On top of all this, the Carabao Cup could throw an additional spanner in the works, with the third round - when the top Premier League sides enter the competition - pencilled in for the same week as the Champions League kick-off.
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
