Mikel Arteta’s side are set for a hectic run of fixtures when the Champions League returns (Image: Getty)
fans won’t be smiling when they look at the Gunners’ upcoming fixture schedule.
’s side came from behind to finish the league phase of this year’s with a win over already knocked-out Girona.
It confirmed ’s spot among the top eight teams in the competition while ensuring Arteta and co. avoid joining the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and in the dreaded play-off round.
But when their Champions League campaign resumes in the spring, Arteta will have to find a way to juggle what looks like a tricky run of fixtures.
That’s because are scheduled to play and in between the two legs of their last-16 tie.
While the draw hasn’t yet been completed, do know they’ll face one of AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord or Juventus in the knockouts.
The side will no doubt enter the tie as favourites, but it promises to be a tough test for the north Londoners, whoever emerges from the draw.
will play the first leg of their last-16 tie in either the Netherlands or Italy the mid-week before travelling to Old Trafford for the United fixture, before welcoming their Champions League opponents back to the Emirates for the return leg the following Tuesday or Wednesday.
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Arsenal are still in pursuit of their first-ever Champions League title (Image: Getty)
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It will be a quick turnaround from the second leg, given are due to make the short trip across the capital for their meeting the weekend after.
And even if Arteta’s side escape unharmed, should they progress into the quarter-finals and then to the semi-final stage, they’ll be met with a similar conundrum.
What could prove a season-defining week will start with a home match against Crystal Palace in the , before a potential last-four clash home or away to their Champions League rivals.
Bournemouth at home follows in the , with the second leg of the semi-finals scheduled just in front of ’s league meeting with .
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Just imagine the pressure on the line if the two are still going head-to-head for the title.
In fact, there is a scenario where and could meet three times in as many matches, should the two be paired against each other in the Champions League semi-finals.
Just a taste of what could be to come for Arteta and during the remainder of the season.