The Premier League said it has sought assurances from UEFA but none had been forthcoming, leaving Everton supporters still waiting to know when the match at Arsenal will take place
Thierno Barry clashes with William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesView Image
Everton’s trip to Arsenal next month could be moved at barely a fortnight’s notice. The Premier League has confirmed the match, currently scheduled for Sunday, March 15, will be subject to the Champions League draw on Friday.
The organisation said it had told UEFA that Arsenal would not be able to play the following Tuesday but is yet to receive any assurances from the governing body of Europe’s top continental competition. As a result, it has moved to alert supporters to the potential for a late fixture change.
Everton are set to travel to north London for a 2pm fixture but that could be rearranged if Arsenal are scheduled to play the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 knockout tie on Tuesday, March 17.
As it stands, the Blues' game with Arsenal and Manchester City’s trip to West Ham United (set for Saturday, March 14 at 12.30pm) could both be moved depending on the draw.
The Premier League said in a statement: “The Premier League confirmed the above fixtures on 21 January and advised UEFA that clubs scheduled to play on Sunday 15 March would not be available to play Champions League fixtures on Tuesday 17 March.
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“Unfortunately, UEFA has not been able to provide any guarantees on its scheduling ahead of the draw. As a result, the Premier League now faces the possibility of re-scheduling its fixtures at even shorter notice, at the inconvenience of supporters and clubs.
“The Premier League will continue its regular dialogue with UEFA over fixture scheduling.”
The potential amendment comes with Everton’s home match with Arsenal in December having been moved to a Saturday night kick-off as part of late changes due to the Gunners’ fixture build-up. That was influenced by the club’s League Cup commitments.