Mikel Arteta has called for the Premier League to protect clubs, in response to early Saturday kick-offs after playing on Wednesday night.

“I think that is why one of the changes was made towards the Champions League teams, especially. There are certain rules with the Champions League. When you are playing on Wednesday night and then you cannot play [on Saturday lunchtime],” said Arteta.

“So I think that should apply to any competition. But I think following the same principle, I think you are talking physiologically, that is very difficult to turn around on that period to get the best outcome and reduce the injury risk for players, but that’s it.

“They put the schedule the way they did. It’s a bit unusual, but it’s what it is. The players are highly motivated for tomorrow’s game because we want to perform well and win the game. It’s not about being worried or not worried.

“We have to play. I want the players to be in the best possible mindset and physically ready to get that challenge going. It is what it is. We play tomorrow, we will have full energy.”

Arsenal played Manchester City on Wednesday night, and were defeated 3-1 by their title rivals. However, their match against Aston Villa at Villa Park will kick-off at 12:30pm on Saturday.

Champions League teams do not have to play in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday, if they played in Europe on Wednesday night.

Source: Birminghammail