Arsenal's next five fixtures compared to Man City and Liverpool ahead of Chelsea clash

9 hours ago 4

Arsenal have an important run of fixtures ahead of them, as they look to maintain their advantage as Premier League leaders whilst boosting hopes of European and domestic silverware

Week by week, the season is becoming increasingly difficult for Arsenal as they balance their desire for silverware on multiple fronts. This weekend the FA Cup entered the frame, and the Gunners took it in stride.

A Gabriel Martinelli hat-trick was the highlight of Arsenal's 5-1 win over Championship side Portsmouth at Fratton Park. It ensures Mikel Arteta's side a place in Monday night's draw for the fourth round.

In the Premier League, the Gunners hold a healthy six-point advantage after 21 matches played. They sit top of the table on 49 points, with Manchester City and Aston Villa the next closest teams - both six points behind. This is after playing reigning champions Liverpool - who sit fourth as things stand - at the Emirates Stadium last week, with that match ending 0-0.

Also on the agenda for Arsenal are dreams of lifting the season's first silverware available - the Carabao Cup - whilst maintaining a strong claim to advance as far as possible in the Champions League.

football.london looks at the next five fixtures on Arsenal's calendar, compared to the schedules their nearest rivals will face.

Arsenal's next five fixtures

Chelsea (A) - January 14 - Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

Nottingham Forest (A) - January 17 - Premier League

Inter Milan (A) - January 20 - Champions League

Manchester United (H) - January 25 - Premier League

Kairat Almaty (H) - January 28 - Champions League

The fixtures are coming thick and fast for Arsenal right through to the end of the month.

There are no midweek breaks as Arteta's side juggle Premier League assignments with Carabao Cup and Champions League duties.

The fact the first three of the upcoming five fixtures are all away from home (after the trip to Portsmouth) adds an edge of uncertainty, especially in a cup semi-final London derby and a trip to the San Siro to face the current Serie A leaders. Automatic qualification for the Champions League's knockout stages is all-but secured, but it is not in Arteta's DNA to drop points against Inter if it can be helped.

In the Premier League, Forest and Manchester United can provide stern tests, though ultimately the Gunners will be hoping to pass both tests with flying colours.

And a final match of the upcoming run against Kairat Almaty is another Arsenal should be expected to win, even if Arteta is able to rotate his squad with qualification to the knockout round hopefully already secured.