Squawka / News / Vitoria v Arsenal: Europa League grants Gunners a return to Wednesday-night action

Vitoria v Arsenal: Europa League grants Gunners a return to Wednesday-night action

arsenal-vitoria-wednesday-kick-off-europa-league

Arsenal’s trip to Vitória de Guimarães in the Europa League has been given the unusual kick-off time of 15:50 (local and UK time) on Wednesday, November 6.

The Gunners beat the Primeira Liga side 3-2 at the Emirates two weeks ago to retain top spot in Group F and will now make the return trip to round off the double-header.

Why is Vitória v Arsenal on a Wednesday? Five things to know…

  • Arsenal are due to face Vitória away on Wednesday, November 6 at 15:50.
  • Europa League games are usually played at 17:55 or 20:00 on Thursdays, while the Champions League is played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • But Uefa rules state that two teams from the same region cannot play home games on the same date, while broadcasting rights mean UEL and UCL matches cannot clash.
  • Braga are located just 20 minutes from Vitória and are due to face Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, November 7.
  • So Uefa have rescheduled Arsenal’s trip to Vitória to Wednesday, November 6 with the unusual kick-off time of 15:50.

Of course, Europa League games usually kick-off at 17:55 or 20:00 on a Thursday, with Champions League fixtures usually being scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

But two teams from the same region cannot play their home games on the same date, while for broadcasting purposes, matches cannot clash with Champions League fixtures.

Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.

Fellow Portuguese outfit Braga are located just 20 minutes away from Vitória by car and are due to face Turkish giants Besiktas in their Europa League Group K clash on Thursday, November 7.

And so, Uefa has scheduled Arsenal’s game at Vitória a day earlier, with the rather unusual kick-off time of 15:50 in a bid to increase fan safety and reduce congestion in the area.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery is under pressure after a string of disappointing results, including a 1-1 draw with Wolves, and can ill afford another slip up in Portugal.

Granit Xhaka could be recalled for the first time since his public spat with fans while Mesut Ozil is likely to start the game as he attempts to work his way back into the manager’s good books.

Today's Best Offers
Get £10 Free - No Deposit! Then Bet £10, Get £10 At Ascot
  • £10 no deposit free bet
  • Extensive Bet-Builder
  • Fantastic Promotions
  • Fun Social Media Content
  • New Bookmaker
Claim Here

New customers only. Free Bets credited following registration. Must be wagered 1x at min odds of 1/2 (1.5). 7-day expiry. Stake not returned. Full T&Cs apply. 18+.  Gambleaware.org

Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets
  • Bet £10 get £20 in free bets
  • Excellent Football Betting Options
  • Fun Social Media Content
  • New Bookmaker
Claim Here

#AD 18+ New Customers Only. Opt in deposit & bet £10 or more on any sports market at min 1/1 odds within 7 days of registration. No cash out. Get £20 in sports Free Bets with 7 day expiry. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly.

SkyBetLogo20052025
Bet 5p get £30 in Free Bets
  • Bet 5p get £50 in Free Bets
  • Enhanced Offers
  • Request A Bet Feature
  • Vast selection of sports markets
Claim Offer

#AD 18+ New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.New customers only. First single & E/W bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 3 X £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets exclude virtuals. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bets expire after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T&Cs apply.