Arsenal’s fixture list has been announced, and when they play the ‘Big Six’ sides has caused plenty of discussion amongst fans.
For many fans, the release of the fixture list causes one thing, a rapid scour to find the ‘Big Six’ sides. Although in recent seasons the form against the rest of the league has often defined the success of a campaign, the aura of a big game fixture is like no other.
In the case of the Gunners, fans will notice the marquee games of their league season are oddly condensed together.
Advert
The first outing against a ‘Big Six’ side is in isolation, a trip to Old Trafford in September to take on Erik Ten Haag’s side. However, October is chaotic for Arteta's men. His young Arsenal side face the visit of three of last season's top four - Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham.
One solace to the Spaniard will be that all three of these fixtures are at home, and if the Emirates can rock like it did in big games last season, then he will feel confident of picking up major points in the tricky Halloween period.
The Gunners are welcomed into November with another clash against a ‘Big Six’ opponent, this time Chelsea, with Arsenal heading to Stamford Bridge with the hope of replicating last season’s 4-2 success.
Premier League football then comes to a halt with the World Cup in Qatar, and it’s not until January that the training at London Colney will take effect against another ‘Big Six’ side. Arsenal will be seeking revenge away at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, a ground that saw their Champions League ambitions disintegrate last time out.
Following the warfare of a North London Derby is the visit of Manchester United to the Emirates, a home fixture that has been fruitful for the Gunners in recent times, with the Red Devils not winning at the Emirates in the league since 2017.
Advert
Arsenal then go through the months of February and March without a fixture against the ‘Big Six’, a time that will have the return of the European knockout stages - a stage Arteta will expect to be in.
Then comes April, a month of hell for the Gunners. Arsenal face the top three sides from last season, with the games against Manchester City and Liverpool away from home. The other ‘Big Six’ game, at home to Chelsea, will appear as light work in comparison to taking on the two juggernauts of English football.
Heading into May, no more fixtures against the ‘Big Six’ remain. In all likelihood, the April period will define the success of the season, with the Gunners either having to win at grounds they haven’t in aeons, or having to head into the April period with a lead over their top four rivals.
However, Arteta’s side will ultimately play every side twice, and if he acquires the signings he desires in the window, then heading into the season, he will feel confident he can not only go toe-to-toe with the ‘Big Six’, but regularly beat them.
Advert
Topics: Arsenal, Fantasy Premier League, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur