Arsenal face a nightmare post-European scenario next season, with five of their six matches directly after Europa League group stage fixtures away from home.

Arsene Wenger's side finished outside the top four for the first time under the Frenchman last term, and will now feel the full force of a competition that, while won by Manchester United last term, has often directly impacted on a club's league performance.

United failed to mount a title challenge last term and eventually struggled to keep pace with the top four.

That was a similar story for Liverpool as they reached the final the previous year.

Now the Gunners face similar difficulties, and have received little help with next season's fixtures.

Will Sanchez still be at the Emirates? (
Image:
REUTERS)
Wenger's side will count the cost of missing out on the top four (
Image:
PA)

The first of those is a trip to Stamford Bridge, to take on champions Chelsea, on the weekend of September 16.

That fixture will now take place on either Sunday September 17 or Monday September 18, depending on TV coverage.

There are also trips to Everton, Burnley and Southampton immediately after European excursions. Those fixtures will all be moved from their current Saturday matches to Sunday slots.

Additionally the Gunners also head to Manchester City after their fourth Europa group game, with Pep Guardiola's men set to have at least an extra 24 hours rest after their Champions League clash in the same slot.

Newly-promoted Brighton's visit to the Emirates - the only post-Europa home clash - is also a fixture which will now be moved from Saturday September 30 to either October 1 or October 2.

It's a stark contrast to north London rivals Tottenham, who have five of their six post-Champions League matches at home.

Arsenal's Europa League group stage matches are on September 14 and 28, October 19, November 2 and 23, and December 7.

Arsenal's post-Europa League fixtures:

  • Chelsea (A)

  • Brighton (H)

  • Everton (A)

  • Man City (A)

  • Burnley (A)

  • Saints (A)

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