Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere admits the players are stunned by their season kickoff.
Arsenal will start with a trip to Newcastle, before entertaining Liverpool and travelling to champions Manchester United.
To make matters worse, Arsene Wenger's men will have to play the first leg of their Champions League qualifying play-off just a few days before hosting Liverpool - then face the second leg ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
The Champions League play-off dates have yet to be confirmed, but the first leg will be played on August 16 or 17, with the second leg scheduled for August 23 or 24.
It means Arsenal will play five key games in the opening two weeks.
"It doesn't get much harder than that, but you have to beat the best," said Arsenal midfielder Wilshere.
