The game was originally (and is still, according to the official Arsenal site) scheduled for November 7th.

The match has apparently been moved to give more space before the England-Sweden friendly (mutual-celebration) on the following Saturday. If true it is somewhat surprising. As UWS point out, Man United have a game the day before... Liverpool.. also away from home. Blimey.

So, we can presumably expect a "reserve" United side. To what extent will Arsenal be able (or willing) to take advantage? Will we be prepared to field a reserve side too (of Bergkamp, Keown, Seaman, Parlour, Kanu, Upson,....) ?

Thanks to the many of you who wrote to me overnight pointing out that Arsenal are playing on the Sunday too! We're at home to Charlton and if anything are affected more: Man Utd kick off in the morning of the 4th while we're in the afternoon (although the fact that both their games are away more than compensates for this). Sorry for the glaring error. In my defence -for some reason I checeked my diary instead of the calendar. Note to self: use ArseWeb!

The date change has now been confirmed by Arsenal.

This could be a wrench for fellow Lewesian Gooners. Highbury on consecutive days, or bonfire night...? But it's a nightmare for Man Utd fans, many of whom have already booked their train tickets for the Wednesday.

See Sports.com for report of fans' reactions from both sides, including comment from some extremely distinguished personages.