Arsenal given title race boost after European involvement grants perfect fixture decision

Arsenal have been told that their first match of the season with Crystal Palace, and the first chance to see Eberechi Eze face his former club, has been pushed back. Initially scheduled to be played on Saturday, 25 October, the clash has now been pushed back to Sunday.

The change is due to Palace’s involvement in the UEFA Conference League. Following their FA Cup victory, Palace were initially due to play in the Europa League.

However, despite an appeal process, they were demoted to the Conference League after it was determined that, as of March 1, American businessman John Textor had control or influence at both Palace and French club Lyon. Nottingham Forest were then promoted to the Europa League as a result.

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This is of great benefit to the Gunners, considering they are also involved in European action in the same week. Palace will host AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park on Thursday followed by a two-day break before the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, Arsenal play Atletico Madrid in north London on the Tuesday of the same week. This gives the Gunners two extra days of recovery compared to their London rivals.

Should Arsenal beat Port Vale away from home in the Carabao Cup third round in September, they will qualify for the fourth, which is played in the week following the clash with Palace. They will then hope to avoid another away trip because the start of November is particularly taxing.

November 1 sees a tricky trip to newly promoted Burnley, followed by a flight to Prague to face Slavia Praha three days later, and then a very long trip the following weekend to Sunderland. A lot of travel in a short space of time will be a big test for Mikel Arteta’s squad, despite having a much deeper group of players to choose from.