The Premier League is bracing for potential fixture changes affecting West Ham United’s match against Manchester City and Arsenal’s clash with Everton, both scheduled for March, due to the upcoming UEFA Champions League knockout stage draw on . The league confirmed the possibility of rescheduling at short notice, acknowledging the inconvenience this may cause to supporters and clubs.
Currently, West Ham United is slated to host Manchester City on at 12:30, while Arsenal is scheduled to face Everton on at 14:00. These fixtures were initially confirmed on , but remain subject to alteration following Friday’s Champions League draw.
The core of the issue stems from UEFA’s inability to guarantee scheduling arrangements that would allow Premier League clubs involved in the Champions League to avoid a quick turnaround. The Premier League had previously informed UEFA that teams playing on would be unavailable for Champions League fixtures on . However, UEFA has not provided assurances regarding its scheduling, leaving the Premier League in a reactive position.
This situation highlights a growing trend within the Premier League. Ahead of the season, the league proactively advised fans to anticipate increased fixture volatility as more English clubs progress deeper into European competitions. This season already sees a record nine Premier League teams competing in UEFA events, with six participating in the Champions League.
The potential for rescheduling isn’t limited to the dates mentioned. UEFA will conduct draws for fixtures taking place on and on , less than two weeks before those matches. This compressed timeframe significantly increases the likelihood of Premier League fixtures being impacted.
Adding another layer of complexity is a long-standing agreement between local authorities that prevents both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal from playing at home on the same day. With both teams initially scheduled for fixtures on , this constraint further complicates potential rescheduling efforts.
The situation surrounding Manchester City is also nuanced. The scheduling of their Champions League Round of 16 away first leg on remains unconfirmed by UEFA, directly impacting the certainty of their Premier League match against West Ham on .
The Premier League acknowledges the inconvenience this uncertainty creates for fans and clubs alike. The league aims to provide supporters with at least six weeks’ notice for broadcast selections, but the UEFA scheduling process is undermining this goal. The Premier League has committed to maintaining regular dialogue with UEFA to address these ongoing fixture conflicts.
teams finishing in the top eight of the Champions League League Phase – including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea – will host their Round of 16 second legs. This adds another potential point of contention as the league attempts to balance domestic and European commitments.
The Premier League confirmed the fixtures on (Fixture Amendment 14) and communicated its concerns to UEFA regarding the availability of clubs playing on for Champions League matches on . However, the lack of guarantees from UEFA has forced the league to prepare for potential last-minute changes.
Supporters are advised to closely monitor official channels on , when the UEFA Champions League draw takes place at 11:00 UK time, for updates regarding the affected fixtures. The Premier League will strive to confirm revised schedules as quickly as possible following UEFA’s confirmation of match scheduling.
