Arsenal’s December schedule reshaped around derby and Manchester United TV games

Arsenal’s December league calendar now puts the north London derby and the home meeting with Manchester United on Sundays at 4.30pm, with four fixtures moved or given new kick-off times for live UK television coverage. The changes make the month’s key dates clearer for supporters, while the club says fixtures can still change for other reasons.

The run begins at Brentford on Wednesday, December 2, where Arsenal will now kick off at 8.15pm. Brentford sit sixth after seven league games, with 10 points, giving the opening fixture a notable early-season context as Arsenal head into a demanding stretch of December dates.

Four days later, Arsenal visit Tottenham on Sunday, December 6, for the first north London derby of the campaign. The 4.30pm start gives the derby a prominent weekend slot. It is followed by a home game against Bournemouth on Sunday, December 13, kicking off at 2pm. That match falls on a Sunday because Bournemouth are involved in the Europa League.

Arsenal’s final Premier League fixture before Christmas is at home to Manchester United on Sunday, December 20, also at 4.30pm. Sky Sports lists both the derby and the United match among its live December coverage. The sequence means Arsenal’s three league matches after the Brentford trip are all set for Sundays, with the derby and United games sharing the same late-afternoon slot.

The club had already announced that its festive away games at Crystal Palace and Fulham would be played on December 27 and 30. With those dates included, all of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures through the end of 2026 have now been scheduled for television. That gives fans a clearer view of the calendar well beyond December, though the club has stressed that matches remain subject to change for other reasons.

The immediate takeaway is practical as much as competitive: supporters can plan around a late Brentford kick-off, a Sunday derby and a Sunday meeting with Manchester United, while Arsenal’s league schedule stays open to further changes if needed.