For the first time since the 2016/17 season, a knockout round of Europe's premier competition will involve the Gunners. The much-anticipated draw is scheduled to take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday, December 18 with Mikel Arteta's side seeded having topped Group B.
As has been the case in the Champions League since the 2009-10 campaign, the round of 16 ties are to be played over the course of four weeks. As confirmed by UEFA, the first legs commence on 13/14/20/21 February 2024 with the second legs set for 5/6/12/13 March 2024.
Now, while Arsenal do have experience with this format - eight seasons' worth to be precise - it's still different from what they've become accustomed to in the Europa League in recent years where every single round of 16 ties is played on the same night across consecutive weeks.
This means a small adjustment will be required, although Arteta won't discover his sides' dates until the round of 16 draw is made. Looking ahead to the new year and with knockout football to be added to the Gunners' schedule, one way or another the fixtures will be arriving thick and fast.
With Shakhtar Donetsk playing their 'home' games in Germany this season, long European trips are off the menu should they qualify, but one gripe a number of managers have had in the past is an away game or coming up against one of the Premier League's best straight after a European tie.
With that in mind, we have decided to take a look at who Arsenal face before and after their Champions League round of 16 clash in each scenarioScenario 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
One way or another, Arteta will have to factor in a trip to Turf Moor and a home game against Brentford when making plans for Arsenal's round of 16 ties in the Champions League. There's an argument that scenario two is more appealing given the number of home games but the clash with Chelsea will be rearranged if either side reaches the FA Cup quarter-final.17/2 - Burnley (A)
2/3 - Sheffield United (A)
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