Manchester City, Liverpool in the Premier League in midweek, but Arsenal in the Champions League?
In midweek, only the bottom three will be able to complete two matches in a week. So, why didn't Liverpool and Arsenal play in the Champions League? Such a schedule may seem a bit outlandish, but in reality, it is no accident that three events are held at the same time for different reasons and times.
At 3:30 a.m. Beijing time on February 21, Manchester City will play a play-off match against Brentford in the 18th round, because Manchester City must play the World Champions League at that time, so it was forced to postpone.
The game was played two months ago when Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored three goals, while Manchester City won one at home. This time, Manchester City looked to have won the game without any suspense in order to make a comeback. Oddly enough, last season, despite their league win, they lost to Brentford at home and away, putting them in a very awkward position in the league.
Liverpool will face Luton Town at 3.30am this Tuesday, the first matchday on the 26th local time in Beijing.
Chelsea are also playing in this week's final, but they have been postponed, perhaps because Chelsea do not have to play in Europe, so there is a longer break and then there is time to make up for it.
In the first leg, Diaz's stoppage-time goal levelled the Reds with Luton Town, and that was the main reason for United's victory. Although Luton Town is only a team to improve, Liverpool will be more careful against old powerhouses such as Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United, including teams that have just recovered from injury such as Jota and Jones.
Arsenal will face Porto in the first round of the 16-1 UEFA Champions League at 4 a.m. Beijing time on Tuesday. Interestingly, the last time Arsenal scored 16 in the Champions League was 14 years ago, when they played Porto.
The last time Arsenal won the Champions League group stage was nine years ago, when they beat Monaco but were eliminated because they had fewer points over the two legs. I think many young fans may not know that Arsenal are in the last 16 of the Champions League. So, returning to the Champions League after many years makes fans feel like they are back in the past, and they have at least reached the round of 16.
Strong contenders in the three major leagues, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, all seized the opportunity to have a tight battle in midweek. Liverpool will be under intense pressure with four away games to play. In three weeks' time, the matchup between the Reds and Manchester City will be crucial as the outcome of the league will become clear by then.
Don't miss out on this week, all three teams have their own competitions to play, and it's going to be a feast for the eyes.