The Premier League fixtures are out for the 2017-18 season -- here are five to watch for Arsenal.
Arsenal face some difficult early tests to start of next season, as the schedule pits Arsene Wenger's team against some big rivals in the opening weeks.
With the Gunners promising to stage a serious title challenge this time around, it means Wenger will have to make sure his team is ready for the start of the campaign -- unlike last year.
Liverpool
(A) - Aug. 26, 2017
(H) - Dec. 23, 2017
The opening-day loss to Liverpool last season got Arsenal's campaign off to a rocky start and ultimately cost them a Champions League spot. This time they face Jurgen Klopp in the third week, at Anfield, which should give an early indicator of whether they've made progress over the summer. The return fixture at the Emirates promises to be one of the standout games of the Christmas period.
Chelsea
(A) - Sept. 16, 2017
(H) - Jan. 1, 2018
Another tough early test for the Gunners as they travel to Stamford Bridge in September; they haven't there won since 2011. That will be their fourth meeting with Chelsea in a short span following the FA Cup final, a preseason friendly in China and the Community Shield.
Manchester City
(A) - Nov. 4, 2017
(H) - Feb. 24, 2018
November is usually a difficult month for Arsenal and they start it with one of the toughest games of the season at the Etihad Stadium. They'll be looking to avenge the 2-1 loss there in December that sent their campaign spiralling out of control, but face a Pep Guardiola side that should have strengthened significantly during the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur
(H) - Nov. 18, 2017
(A) - Feb. 10, 2018
The North London derby is usually the first fixture Arsenal fans look for when the new schedule comes out. This season the first one comes during a challenging stretch for the Gunners, but Arsenal will be desperate for a win to reclaim some bragging rights after finishing below Spurs for the first time under Wenger.
Manchester United
(H) - Dec. 2, 2017
(A) - April 28, 2018
With Arsene Wenger having finally beaten Jose Mourinho in a league game, Manchester United's visit to the Emirates doesn't look quite as threatening. Still, this is another crucial game for Arsenal, which will set the tone going into the holiday period. Both teams are hoping the return fixture at Old Trafford could have a direct impact on the title race.