Why Arsenal aren’t playing this weekend as FA rule forced Premier League fixture change

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Arsenal don’t play in the Premier League this weekend due to a rule from the FA.

The Gunners took on Crystal Palace in midweek and were held to a draw by the Eagles courtesy of a late wonder strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Now, Mikel Arteta’s ensemble will have a rare weekend off as they prepare for the huge challenge that lies ahead.

Paris Saint-Germain await Arsenal in the semi-final of the Champions League, with the first leg of the tie set to take place at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

A season-defining game for the North Londoners, Arteta will be delighted that he has a few extra days to prepare for it, while PSG take on Nice on Friday night in Ligue 1.

Arsenal won’t play in the Premier League again until they face Bournemouth in N5 next Saturday.

• READ MORE: PSG have just complained to UEFA after seeing what Arsenal have done ahead of their Champions League clash

Why are Arsenal not playing in the Premier League this weekend?

While several Premier League fixtures do take place this weekend, Arsenal are not among those who will feature.

Bournemouth host Manchester United, while Liverpool entertain Tottenham at Anfield in two of the standout matches scheduled.

Arsenal will have to wait a little longer for their Premier League return, as they host the Cherries next weekend.

The reason for the Gunners’ absence from the fixture schedule is due to the FA Cup semi-finals, which take place at Wembley on Saturday and Sunday.

Arteta’s team would’ve played Crystal Palace on Saturday, but Oliver Glasner’s side play Aston Villa in the last four of England’s oldest cup competition, meaning there was a fixture clash.

The FA stipulations meant that the game against the South Londoners was moved forward to Wednesday night, leaving the North Londoners without a game this weekend.

The Arsenal boss now has a weekend to focus on building an astute tactical plan for the PSG clash, rather than being distracted by a league match.

• READ MORE: French media praised Arsenal star last time Mikel Arteta’s team played PSG – they can’t rely on him this time

Arsenal run-in for the remainder of the season

Arsenal have four remaining league matches, and while the attention will be on reaching the Champions League final, they can’t afford to slip up much more domestically.

The Gunners need at least six more points to guarantee finishing in the top five, while they need nine points to ensure a top-two finish.

A final day trip to Southampton awaits, which should see Arteta’s outfit pick up three points, although tricky games against Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle await in the next three.

The clash with the south coast side takes place in between the two PSG games, which is certainly a potential issue, while they travel to Anfield just four days after playing in Paris.

A week after the Southampton game, a possible European final could be on the cards for Arteta’s men.