Premier League set tentative date for north London derby

The Premier League are prepared to rearrange the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for the week commencing from May 9, Daily Mail reports.

Arsenal were initially scheduled to face Spurs on the road on January 15, but the match was postponed.

Due to coronavirus cases, injuries and AFCON duty, the Gunners did not have 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper available in their first-team squad.

There has since been lot of debate over when the derby could be rescheduled. It is now claimed that the game could be played between May 9 and May 15.

Since there are no Champions League fixtures during that period, the broadcasters believe there is a perfect spot in midweek for the derby to be held.

It could certainly attract plenty of interest from rival fans as well, considering Manchester United are scheduled to host Chelsea at Old Trafford on May 15 (if the Blues don’t make the FA Cup final).

There has been no official confirmation from the Premier League, and it appears a likely date for the derby, given the Gunners’ tight schedule in April.

Mikel Arteta has already complained after the short turnaround time between the Chelsea and United games in April. There could be a repeat in early May.

The Gunners are currently favourites in the pursuit of the final Champions League spot. They are three points ahead of Spurs and four in front of United.

They have a game in hand over both clubs which is an advantage, but there is still plenty of work to be done to end their five-year Champions League exile.

Arsenal are due to face both Spurs and United in the final 10 games of the campaign. Meanwhile, there are also London trips to Chelsea and West Ham.

Hence, the club don’t have the most favourable of season run-ins, but Arteta will be hoping that his young team can carry the recent momentum.

The Gunners have been in fine form since the winter break. They have won six of their seven league games, and gave a good fight in the 2-0 Liverpool loss.