Arsenal is on the verge of discovering a significant distinction between the round of 16 stage in the UEFA Champions League compared to their experiences in the Europa League.
For the first time since the 2016/17 season, the Gunners will be participating in the knockout round of Europe’s premier competition.
The highly anticipated draw is set to occur on Monday, December 18, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, with Mikel Arteta’s team being seeded after topping Group B.
Following the format established in the Champions League since the 2009-10 campaign, the round of 16 ties will unfold over a span of four weeks.
As per UEFA’s confirmation, the first legs are scheduled for February 13/14/20/21, 2024, while the second legs will take place on March 5/6/12/13, 2024.
While Arsenal possesses experience with this structure—eight seasons, to be precise—it differs from their recent familiarity with the Europa League.
In the Europa League, every round of 16 tie is played on the same night across consecutive weeks, making this adjustment noteworthy.
Mikel Arteta will have to adapt once the specific dates for Arsenal’s fixtures in the round of 16 are unveiled after the draw.
Looking ahead to the new year, the introduction of knockout football into Arsenal’s schedule ensures a rapid influx of fixtures.
Although long European trips may be avoided if Shakhtar Donetsk qualifies, a historical concern for several managers has been facing challenging away games or encountering top Premier League opponents immediately after a European tie.
Given this consideration, let’s examine the opponents Arsenal is slated to face both before and after their Champions League round of 16 encounter in each potential scenario.
Scenario One – 13/14 Feb and 5/6 March
10/2 – West Ham (A)
Champions League round of 16 first leg (A)
17/2 – Burnley (A)
2/3 – Sheffield United (A)
Champions League round of 16 first leg (H)
9/3 – Brentford (H)
Scenario Two – 20/21 Feb and 12/13 March
17/2 – Burnley (A)
Champions League round of 16 first leg (A)
24/2 – Newcastle (H)
9/3 – Brentford (H)
Champions League round of 16 first leg (H)
16/3 – Chelsea (H) orFA Cup Quarter-final
In any case, Arteta will need to incorporate a visit to Turf Moor and a home match against Brentford into his strategic considerations for Arsenal’s round of 16 ties in the Champions League.
While there is a contention that scenario two holds more appeal due to the higher number of home games, it’s worth noting that the clash with Chelsea will be rescheduled if either side advances to the FA Cup quarter-final.