The new set of Premier League fixtures are out and Arsenal don’t really have it easy. The first four fixtures are extremely tough as the Gunners face Liverpool, Leicester City, Watford and Southampton, which certainly will be a test for the London club.
The Gunners finished second in the Premier League in 2015/16 when they really should have won it when the other sides were floundering about, but the side were beaten to the race by Leicester City. Arsenal though have already brought in some steel in their team, Granit Xhaka and he could be the one who leads them to the title.
The London club did have a few poor performances against some of the big clubs, which cost them the title last time around and there are going to be a few key fixtures which can decide the Gunners’ fate.
Here are five Premier League games that will be crucial to Arsenal’s league hopes. You can check out Roulette Geeks for all the odds for next season.
Leicester City vs. Arsenal – 20 August
This might only be the second game of the season for the Gunners, but the fact that they would play Leicester City would be a huge incentive to get all three points. The Gunners did pick up the win in the corresponding fixture last season but moving three points clear from the Foxes would be ideal even if it is so early in the race.
Leicester City aren’t going to be pushovers and with both sides attacking and going for the win, the game should be a spectacle for all to see.
Manchester United vs. Arsenal – 19 November
With Jose Mourinho coming into the team, this game becomes all the more important. A long-time rival of Arsene Wenger, this time backed by a vociferous Old Trafford crowd, Mourinho could do the damage again for the London side.
Wenger does not have the greatest of records against the new Manchester United manager, but if he does pick up the three points against a United side which is still trying to find themselves, this could go a long way to winning the league.
West Ham United vs. Arsenal – 3 December
West Ham are one of the best sides in the Premier League that is not an exaggeration. Slaven Bilic did a wonderful job in the first season and with a host of great bargain buys coming in, Sofiane Feghouli being the latest player to join the Hammers, the side could be up for another great finish.
Arsenal have struggled against West Ham and Bilic, with the side even picking up three points at the Emirates last season. If the Gunners are to prove their mettle in wanting to win the league, the match at the new stadium for the Hammers would be crucial in deciding their fate.
Manchester City vs. Arsenal – 17 December
It would not be an easy game for Arsenal to face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, especially after the signings the Blue half of Manchester would be making. The Citizens just about held out for a top four spot last season, but this season could be completely different.
It isn’t just playing at the Etihad which could be an issue for Arsenal, just three days before this clash; the Gunners would be facing Everton at Goodison. The Toffees will also be playing under a new manager as ex-Saints man Ronald Koeman picks up where Roberto Martinez left off. Everton aren’t easy to play against and taking on City after that will surely be a big test for the Gunners.
Tottenham vs. Arsenal – 29 April
Just three games would remain for Arsenal after this one and the last match played between the sides was incredible. Though both sides virtually knocked each other out of the Premier League title race last season with the draw, this season could be another tough fight for both teams.
Arsenal and Tottenham are rivals and no club would want to lose to their neighbours. This game might be one of the biggest games of the season and if Arsenal are still there in the race for the title in April, this match at the Lane could be the one to decide the fate of the Premier League.