Arsenal versus Liverpool may be more than two months away but it’s the fixture everyone’s talking about because TV is set to schedule the match for Christmas Eve – and it appears Arsene Wenger is preparing fans for the uncomfortable possibility.

The game between the two Premier League heavyweights at the Emirates has been earmarked for Saturday, December 23 – but speculation is rising the date could be moved to Sunday, December 24.

Wenger appeared to confirm what many are expecting by trying to soften the blow of the match being moved to the day before Christmas – a date that is not wanted by home or away fans, or those set to work at the ground for the game.

But, when Wenger was asked his views on the likely move, he seemed to be resigned to the clash pushed back a day.

Speaking at the club’s training ground at London Colney he said: “Yes I know that we have to adapt to the schedule dictated by the televisions, but overall I would say if that happens personally I think no game should be played after 2 o’clock [at the] latest on Christmas Eve on the 24th because Christmas Day in England is 25.

“But [if it is to be moved to] the 24th I would say if we had to play we should not play after 2 o’clock.”

With travelling Liverpool fans unhappy at the idea, along with the majority of Gunners supporters being uneasy at the prospect, Wenger showed sympathy, while acknowledging it is TV schedulers who call the shots.

He added; “Personally I would prefer to be at my home on Christmas night and celebrate Christmas, but I still feel that could happen if we played early on the day and what you wouldn’t like to sacrifice is the evening with the family for people.

“People want...to watch football in the Christmas period.”