Although the fixture schedule has been relatively busy for Arsenal since the completion of the World Cup, their next seven games come in a 23-day period, which is due to test Mikel Arteta and his side to the maximum. Arsenal have responded to a recent dip in form and the late win at Aston Villa is sure to galvanise the group to find their winning formula again.
With a run of 10 Premier League games ending with the rematch against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal know going into the game with momentum will be key. However, an international break is due to interrupt the season before this and the seven games before Gareth Southgate and his fellow international coaches steal away the club’s stars will provide a true test.
Three of the seven games will have an approximate three-day gap between them, with the other fixtures being separated by just four days. football.london takes a look through all seven games to assess the challenges and opportunities each one presents.
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Match 1: Leicester City (A) Saturday, February 25 15:00
The first challenge for Arsenal is this weekend as they face a Leicester City side that have just been battered by Manchester United, although a potential red card call not given could have dramatically changed had the decision gone the other way. The Foxes and Brendan Rodgers in particular looked doomed at the start of the season but some January business has rekindled some form, meaning the match has a great unpredictability about it.
Match 2: Everton (H) Wednesday, March 1 19:45
The rescheduled match from the first half of the season and the Gunners' game in hand could provide the opportunity to extend their lead over Manchester City. It’s also the chance to take revenge on Sean Dyche’s side who ended the unbeaten streak and started a period of poor form in Mikel Arteta’s side at the start of February.
Match 3: Bournemouth (H) Saturday, March 4 15:00
Another rare 3pm afternoon kick-off but one which comes just three days after the midweek Everton clash. Bournemouth had looked decent after their managerial change but one win in five has now seen them slip to just a point off the drop.
Arsenal battered them at the Vitality and will be looking for a comfortable three points against the Cherries again. It will be interesting to see what changes after the short interlude between matches Mikel Arteta decides to make and with it now being well into March, a return for Gabriel Jesus could be on the cards.
Match 4: Europa League Round of 16 (A) Thursday, March 9
The Europa League is back, with Arsenal’s opponents so far still unknown. The draw for the last-16 takes place this Friday, February 24.
Plenty of players on the fringes, such as Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding, Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe will be hoping to get more minutes in this last third of the season and in the knowledge Arteta will need to make changes. It might also be the best opportunity to ease Jesus back into the action.
Match 5: Fulham (A) Sunday, March 12
Arguably the trickiest fixture on this list, currently placed sixth in the table although that might change between now and this game, Fulham at Craven Cottage is a game that has taken points off plenty of sides this campaign. A motivated Willian has also been dangerous and has a point to prove against Arsenal.
Match 6: Europa League Round of 16 (H) Thursday, March 16
Another game in the Europa League and with the first away from home Arsenal have the advantage, after topping their group, of playing the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners haven’t exited the competition in its modern iteration at this stage, having reached either the semis or final in three of their last four entries, with a last-32 knockout to Olympiacos being the only bad mark on their record.
Match 7: Crystal Palace (H) Sunday, March 19
Lastly comes Patrick Vieira and Crystal Palace at home, a fixture where the Gunners have a difficult recent history. Palace have drawn their last three trips to the Emirates and won the match in 2019, leaving Arsenal winless in four at home against their south London rivals.
Of course, Arsenal managed to beat Vieira’s side on the opening day of the season. The Frenchman has added additional spice to the game having said the Premier League title is the Gunners’ to lose but will be without Albert Sambi Lokonga, who cannot face his parent club.
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