Arsenal vs Vitoria time – why is Europa League match at 3.50pm on a Wednesday? – The Sun

ARSENAL are looking to go one better than last year in the Europa League this season.

Unai Emery's side were beaten finalists in an all-Premier League showdown with Chelsea and made it three wins out of three at home to Vitoria last time.

But the return match against the Portuguese side is being played at a very odd kick-off time.

Why is Arsenal's match against Vitoria being played on a Wednesday?

YOU may have noticed that the Gunners won't be playing Vitoria on the usual Thursday night schedule.

• The showdown is now set for TODAY – Wednesday, November 6 at 3.50pm GMT.
• Vitora play in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and currently sit fifth in the table after four wins from their opening 10  matches.
• They are based in Guimaraes, just north of Porto, with their nearest and biggest rivals Portuguese giants Braga.
• Braga are also playing in this year's Europa League – and this is the reason that Arsenal's game will be moved to Wednesday.
• The early kick-off time is because a Europa League game cannot clash with a Champions League match for broadcasting reasons.
• Turkish side Besiktas are scheduled to visit Braga tomorrow – November 7 and Uefa have shifted the Gunners tie in an effort to avoid traffic congestion and ease the pressure on Portuguese authorities.
• The two stadiums are less than 20 minutes apart and the fixture move is designed with safety in mind.
• Vitoria's clash with Standard Liege with also take place on a Wednesday, moving from November 28 a day earlier to November 27.

Arsenal's remaining Europa League fixtures

• Vitoria (a) – TODAY – Wednesday, November 6 (3.50pm)
• Frankfurt (h) – Thursday, November 28 (8pm)
• Standard Liege (a) – Thursday, December 12 (5.55pm)

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