Why Arsenal are not in Premier League action this weekend but Tottenham and Man City are

Arsenal will not be in Premier League action this weekend as they prepare for their January winter break.

The top flight has been undertaking a winter break for several years now in a bid to combat the ever-increasing fixture list for their member clubs. In Europe, their leagues are paused during the Christmas period allowing players to recharge and be with their families.

However in England, the football calender has been highlighted by the festive fixtures with attendances up and down the country soaring as families take in the action. Therefore, Premier League officials made the decision to split Matchday 21 over two weekends in mid-January.

Half of the fixtures shall thus take place on January 12-14 while the other half are played between January 20-22. For the Gunners, this means their match will be played on the second weekend of the matchday as they host Crystal Palace in a lunchtime kick off on January 20.

Like many teams, Arteta's men will be taking this opportunity of a mid-season break to jet off with the North London club heading to the Middle East for some time to unwind. After defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend, the Spanish manager admitted his team needed 'love' and the Daily Mail reports families have been invited to join Arsenal on the trip away.

January 13

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January 20

January 21

January 22

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