Arsenal Could Play Two Vital Matches Within 48 Hours Of Each Other

Arsenal are facing the nightmare scenario of playing two season-defining matches in 48 hours next month. The FA have identified Monday, March 7 as a possible date for the Gunners' fifth-round replay against Hull and this indicate that Arsenal face the prospect of playing twice in three days, with Arsene Wenger's side due to face Tottenham in a clash that will have a key bearing on the Premier League title race on Saturday, March 5.

Arsenal are understandably keen to avoid the scenario and are in talks with the FA and Hull in an effort to prevent the need to travel up to Humberside just hours after facing Tottenham. The Gunners want the match to be played later that week, on either the Tuesday or Wednesday. However, the fact Champions League fixtures are scheduled for March 8 and 9 poses Arsenal a problem in their quest to have the game played later in the week.

UEFA prefer clubs from Europe's top leagues to avoid playing on the same night as Champions League encounters but Barcelona played a league game against Sporting Gijon last Wednesday, the same night as two Champions League last-16 ties and Arsenal will use the example to argue their case as they look to play the game on either the Tuesday or Wednesday.

Scheduling the replay at the KC Stadium for Thursday, March 10 could also come into the equation; or even on FA Cup sixth round weekend, which commences on March 12

Hull are already preparing to postpone their Championship clash against Brentford on March 8 to accommodate the tie against Arsenal. A decision on when the replay will be played is expected in the next 48 hours

Here is what Arsenal's next six fixtures looks like

Manchester United v Arsenal - February 28

Arsenal v Swansea - March 2 

Tottenham v Arsenal - March 5 

Hull City v Arsenal (FA CUP fifth-round replay) - March 7 (To Be Considered) 

Arsenal v West Brom - March 12 

Barcelona v Arsenal - March 16