West Ham v Man City, Arsenal v Everton Fixtures at Risk 2026

Key Points

• The Premier League fixtures West Ham United v Manchester City (Saturday 14 March, 12:30) and Arsenal v Everton (Sunday 15 March, 14:00) are subject to change depending on the UEFA Champions League knockout stage draw on Friday 27 February 2026.
• Any changes will be confirmed as soon as possible after the UEFA draw and its match scheduling confirmation.
• The Premier League confirmed March 2026 fixtures on 21 January 2026, advising UEFA that clubs scheduled on Sunday 15 March would not be available for Champions League fixtures on Tuesday 17 March.
• UEFA has not provided guarantees on its scheduling ahead of the draw, potentially forcing short-notice rescheduling that inconveniences supporters and clubs.
• The Premier League will continue dialogue with UEFA over fixture scheduling.
• Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the Premier League warned supporters of increased likelihood of short-notice changes if clubs progress in UEFA competitions.
• A record nine Premier League teams are in UEFA competitions this season, with six in the Champions League.
• The Premier League aims to give supporters six weeks’ notice for broadcast selections.
• March fixtures were set on 21 January 2026, including those on 14/15 March; Arsenal and Tottenham were selected for Sunday 15 March when two UCL League Phase rounds remained.
• UEFA draws for 10/11 March and 17/18 March fixtures occur on 27 February, less than two weeks before, potentially clashing with Premier League games.
• Top 8 Champions League League Phase teams (including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea) host Round of 16 second legs; Tottenham and Arsenal avoid same-day home games per local authority policy.
• West Ham United v Manchester City fixture risks change if Manchester City’s UCL Round of 16 away first leg is on Tuesday 10 March, which UEFA cannot guarantee.

East London (East London Times) February 24, 2026 – Premier League clubs face fresh uncertainty over fixture scheduling as the UEFA Champions League knockout draw looms, with key matches including West Ham United versus Manchester City and Arsenal versus Everton at risk of last-minute shifts. The Premier League has flagged these games—set for 14 and 15 March—as potentially movable, citing UEFA’s inability to guarantee schedules ahead of Friday’s 27 February draw. This development underscores ongoing tensions between domestic and European calendars, affecting fans, broadcasters, and teams alike.

Why Are West Ham v Man City and Arsenal v Everton Fixtures at Risk?

The Premier League’s official announcement highlights two fixtures vulnerable to amendment. West Ham United v Manchester City, slotted for Saturday 14 March at 12:30, hinges on Manchester City’s Champions League Round of 16 commitments. As detailed in the Premier League’s statement, this game “remains subject to Manchester City’s UCL RO16 away first leg being scheduled for Tuesday 10 March – which UEFA cannot guarantee.”

Similarly, Arsenal v Everton on Sunday 15 March at 14:00 faces disruption. Arsenal, alongside Tottenham Hotspur, were selected for that date when two UCL League Phase rounds lingered. The Premier League confirmed March fixtures on 21 January 2026 via its official news release, advising UEFA that Sunday 15 March clubs could not play Champions League ties on Tuesday 17 March.

UEFA’s knockout draws for 10/11 March and 17/18 March legs occur on 27 February—less than two weeks prior—leaving scant time for adjustments. Teams finishing top eight in the Champions League League Phase, such as Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Chelsea, host Round of 16 second legs. A long-standing local authority policy bars Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal from hosting home games on the same day, adding complexity.

What Did the Premier League Advise Supporters Before the Season?

Prior to the 2025/26 campaign, the Premier League cautioned fans about short-notice changes. It stated:

“Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the Premier League advised supporters of an increased likelihood of Premier League fixtures moving at relatively short notice should our clubs progress to the knockout rounds of UEFA competitions.”

This season marks a record with nine Premier League sides in UEFA events, six in the Champions League.

The league typically provides six weeks’ notice for broadcast selections, but March fixtures were locked in on 21 January. As per the Premier League’s confirmation,

“Arsenal and Tottenham were selected to play their respective fixtures on Sunday 15 March. At the time of selection – there were two UCL League Phase match rounds to play.”

How Has UEFA Responded to Premier League Concerns?

UEFA has offered no scheduling assurances pre-draw. The Premier League noted:

“Unfortunately, UEFA has not been able to provide any guarantees on its scheduling ahead of the draw.”

This forces potential rescheduling at short notice, “at the inconvenience of supporters and clubs.”

The Premier League affirmed it “will continue its regular dialogue with UEFA over fixture scheduling,” signalling persistent efforts to align calendars.

Which Teams Are Most Affected by Champions League Progress?

Six Premier League clubs grace the Champions League: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, and others in the top eight League Phase spots host Round of 16 second legs. Manchester City, West Ham United’s opponent, risks a clash if drawn for a Tuesday 10 March away leg.

Broader impacts span Arsenal’s home clash with Everton and Tottenham’s scheduling, policed by local authorities to prevent dual home games. The Premier League’s 21 January release emphasised:

“The below Premier League fixtures are subject to change – dependent on the upcoming draw for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages on Friday 27 February.”

When Will Fixture Changes Be Confirmed?

Amendments

“will be made as soon as possible following the UEFA draw – and UEFA’s subsequent confirmation of its match scheduling,”

per the Premier League. With the draw on 27 February, updates could emerge rapidly, though short notice remains a concern.

What Broader Challenges Do Crowded Calendars Pose?

This saga reflects fixture congestion woes. Nine English clubs in Europe amplify risks, as the Premier League strives for stability amid UEFA demands. Fans face travel disruptions, while clubs juggle recovery and preparation.

As reported by the Premier League’s official communications team in their 24 February update, the situation arises because

“the Premier League now faces the possibility of re-scheduling its fixtures at even shorter notice.”

How Do Local Policies Influence Scheduling?

Local authority rules are pivotal. For Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal,

“it is a long-standing local authority policy that Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal do not play on the same day at home.”

This ensures safety and logistics during high-attendance matches.

What Is the Timeline of Fixture Announcements?

March 2026 fixtures dropped on 21 January, per Premier League news. Broadcast picks aimed for six weeks’ notice, but UEFA’s late draw—27 February for 10/11 and 17/18 March—compresses timelines.

Why Is This Season Particularly Busy for Premier League Clubs?

A record nine teams compete in UEFA tournaments, six in Champions League. Progress to knockouts strains the calendar, as warned pre-season.

The Premier League’s statement encapsulates:

“Any changes to the above fixtures will be made as soon as possible following the UEFA draw.”