Arsenal’s Champions League Fixtures: Key Tests Against Inter Milan, Sporting CP & Shakhtar Donetsk
Arsenal’s next few fixtures in the Champions League are set to challenge their depth and resilience as they look to progress in the new-look league stage. Having just defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at the Emirates, the Gunners sit eighth in the table. Here’s how their upcoming games compare to those of the other competition favorites like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Manchester City:
Arsenal’s Next Fixtures:
- Shakhtar Donetsk (H) – October 22nd
- Shakhtar held Bologna to a goalless draw in their opener and will face Atalanta next. Arsenal will look to build momentum after their win against PSG, especially ahead of their clash with Liverpool.
- Inter Milan (A) – November 6th
- A huge tie at the San Siro against an Inter team that started strong in Serie A. This match will be one of the most glamorous and challenging for Arsenal.
- Sporting CP (A) – November 26th
- Sporting have won all their domestic matches and are tied with Arsenal in points. This fixture could be pivotal for both teams’ qualification hopes.
Other Contenders’ Upcoming Matches:
Manchester City:
- Sparta Praha (H) – October 23rd
- Sporting CP (A) – November 5th
- Feyenoord (H) – November 26th
City have a relatively straightforward schedule before facing Sporting away. Their biggest test will likely come against Feyenoord.
Real Madrid:
- Lille (A) – October 2nd
- Borussia Dortmund (H) – October 22nd
- Milan (H) – November 5th
- Liverpool (A) – November 27th
Real Madrid have challenging ties ahead, particularly hosting Dortmund and Milan before visiting Anfield.
Liverpool:
- Bologna (H) – October 2nd
- RB Leipzig (A) – October 23rd
- Bayer Leverkusen (H) – November 5th
- Real Madrid (H) – November 27th
Liverpool have a tough run with Leipzig away and Madrid at home, which will likely define their group stage campaign.
Barcelona:
- Bayern Munich (A) – October 23rd
- Crvena zvezda (A) – November 6th
- Brest (H) – November 26th
Barcelona face Bayern away, a difficult fixture, but will look to pick up points in their other two games.
Analysis:
- Arsenal’s upcoming games will gradually increase in difficulty, with the clash against Inter Milan being the standout. Matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Sporting CP are opportunities to strengthen their position before their more challenging away fixtures.
- Manchester City and Barcelona seem to have relatively easier runs but will face stern tests, with Barcelona’s clash with Bayern being their toughest.
- Real Madrid and Liverpool have more challenging schedules, particularly with both clubs set to face each other in a pivotal late November clash.
Arsenal’s fixtures offer a balanced mix of challenges, with the match against Inter Milan potentially being a key factor in their group stage campaign. The Gunners will need to maintain consistency, especially with tricky fixtures against teams like Sporting and Inter.
Arsenal’s Champions League Fixtures: Key Tests Against Inter Milan, Sporting CP & Shakhtar Donetsk