Arsenal have been handed an unexpected Champions League boost following the release of the new Premier League fixtures.
The full match schedule for the 2023-24 season was confirmed on Thursday morning, with the campaign kicking off on Friday, August 11 with champions Manchester City's trip to Burnley, managed by ex-City skipper Vincent Kompany.
Arsenal are next up in the Saturday lunchtime slot, hosting Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta ultimately failed to guide his team to title glory last season but he did achieve the first objective of Champions League qualification, the first time in seven years the club will play at Europe's top table.
And the boss will be glad to see how the domestic fixtures have fallen around their Champions League schedule.
Arsenal are at home after all six group stage games, though the first two are tough tests against north London rivals Tottenham and expected title rivals City.
Arsenal fixtures after Champions League group games
23/09/2023 - Tottenham (h)
07/10/2023 - Manchester City (h)
28/10/2023 - Sheffield United (h)
11/11/2023 - Burnley (h)
02/12/2023 - Wolves (h)
16/12/2023 - Brighton (h)
It's worth noting that also means they are away in the games before Champions League matches, including trips to Everton, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa.
