Ex-Fifa official: Arsenal clash 'at risk' of postponement as decision made
Brentford's trip to Arsenal on Sunday (18 September) is "at risk" of being postponed, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Arsenal's Europa League fixture with PSV Eindhoven on Thursday (15 September) makes it difficult for the game with Brentford to go ahead.
Uefa rules mean that if Arsenal are in action on Thursday night they cannot play again until the Sunday after.
However, playing on Sunday remains difficult due to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral the day after (19 September) which will require a major police presence.
Goal's Charles Watts reported on Monday (12 September) that the visit of PSV is also in doubt as police prepare for their biggest operation in London's history.
ESPN reported on Sunday (11 September) that Chelsea's game with Liverpool could be rescheduled to Saturday to avoid postponement but Arsenal do not have that luxury.
"Uefa have very clear lines on this," Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"If teams play on Thursday nights they can't play on Saturday, they have to play Sunday.
"That must be considered at risk. I expect a decision to be made sometime on Monday (12 September) on that particular subject, they will want as much notice as possible."
Arsenal are enjoying a fine start to the Premier League season and currently sit a point clear at the top of the table.
If their game with Brentford is postponed they will not be in domestic action again until the beginning of next month when they host Tottenham.