Revealed: The reason why Arsenal and Manchester City will play their Champions League quarter-finals on the sa

On Wednesday night, fans across the country will be torn over whether to watch Arsenal or Manchester City in their respective Champions League quarter-final ties. 

To the frustration of many, the two Premier League giants will take to the pitch at the same time, as they bid to book their places in the final four of the competition.

Arsenal will travel to the Allianz Arena following their 2-2 draw last week, while City will host Real Madrid after their 3-3 first leg result.

Typically, the English sides would have been scheduled for different days but it's now been revealed as to why the two fixtures are clashing. 

Due to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both being drawn at home in their respective ties, it was decided that their fixture scheduling would be prioritised.

Arsenal and Manchester City will play their Champions League quarter-finals at the same time

City will take on Real Madrid while the Gunners will travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich 

There were policing concerns over both Madrid teams potentially playing at the same time at home. 

Therefore, Arsenal and City have been forced to play their ties at the same time, in a nightmare for broadcasters.

Both sides will know that a win on Wednesday can guarantee their place in the semi-finals but, for the Gunners, there is an added incentive on the night. 

Arsenal must win the Champions League if they are to secure the last remaining place in next year's expanded Club World Cup, with a European minnow in line to take the spot otherwise.

The revamped version of the tournament will feature 32 teams, with 12 representing  UEFA and six from the CONMEBOL, its South American counterpart.

The AFC, CAF and CONCACAF will be represented by four clubs each, with the OFC and the host association awarded one slot each. 

Due to Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid being drawn at home for their first legs, their fixture scheduling has taken priority ahead of the Premier League rivals

Meanwhile, Arsenal will have to win the Champions League to qualify for the Club World Cup

The last remaining spot up for grabs is reserved for the winners of the Champions League this season, which is where the process gets complicated.

Of the six remaining teams left in the competition, Arsenal are the only club that does not meet UEFA's four-year ranking criteria to qualify for the Club World Cup.

The Gunners' only chance of taking part in the tournament, therefore, is winning the Champions League for the first time.