Arsenal are on European duty this evening (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Arsenal are playing PSV in the Europa League tonight – leaving fans confused as to why The Gunners aren’t featuring in the Premier League instead.
Arsenal’s Europa League group stage fixture with the Dutch side at the Emirates this evening is the only European game to be taking place this week, with the other English clubs instead in Premier League midweek action.
Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit four points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League summit but attention is temporarily switching to ensuring progression to the knock-out rounds of the Europa League.
But why exactly are Arsenal playing in the Europa League this evening? Here is everything you need to know.
Why are Arsenal playing in the Europa League tonight?
Tonight’s game between Arsenal and PSV was originally due to be played on Thursday, September 15.
However, the match was postponed due to the pressures placed on the Metropolitan Police as it prepared for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II four days later.
Arsenal are well placed to advance from their group (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Arsenal were told they had to finish their Europe League group stage campaign by Thursday, November 3 or they would risk forfeiting points.
This week was the only slot the game could be rearranged for without The Gunners forfeiting the points from the game.
Arsenal were due to play Manchester City in the Premier League last night (October 19), but the match was postponed to make way for the PSV game.
When is Arsenal vs Manchester City rearranged for?
A date has not yet been announced for the rescheduled match.
The Premier League said in a statement: ‘A new date for the Arsenal FC v Manchester City FC fixture will be announced in due course.’
Due to the extremely congested domestic and continental fixture list as a result of the World Cup taking place in November and December, the match may not be rescheduled until the final weeks of the season.
Arsenal host PSV at the Emirates (Picture: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
What time is Arsenal vs PSV tonight?
Arsenal vs PSV will kick-off tonight at 6pm.
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport Ultimate, with coverage beginning on both channels from 5.30pm.
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