While the rest of the Premier League will be gearing themselves up for a second match of the new season next week, the Gunners are set to head to the Czech Republic for the first leg of their third-round qualifier against Sparta Prague.

With tonight's match against Fulham kicking off at 9pm and then a trip to Blackburn the following Sunday, Wenger knows there will be little down time between fixtures.

Another date for the Premier League game at Newcastle, originally scheduled for Wednesday August 15, has yet to be confirmed.

Wenger feels it is a scenario which could easily have been avoided.

"There is a problem in the first week for the two teams that have a disadvantage when they play a Champions League qualifier," said the Arsenal boss, with Liverpool also in European action

"Because in the first week, you have to play in the Champions League and they play another Premier League game so you are already chasing to get the points back.

"After three games you can be in the middle of the table if you don't win the first or second and that is, psychologically, a big disadvantage.

"It is unfair to do that because it does not exist anywhere else in the world."

Wenger added: "The solution is not to have a championship day in midweek. Why could we not start this year one week earlier? Why could we not have played the Champions League qualifier this Wednesday just gone?

"It is not ideal. After three games, you already have one game in hand."

The Gunners boss, though, is at least happy enough with their revised schedule, which could have meant a long trip to the far-flung reaches of eastern Europe.

"We have come out of it not too bad because I was scared we would play in the Champions League on Tuesday night," Wenger said.

"That is why I demanded to play [against Fulham] at midday because if we played on Tuesday night then we have to pack and go."

Following the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona over the summer, it is a new era at Arsenal.

Wenger has elected to appoint William Gallas as the new Arsenal captain, and feels the veteran former Chelsea defender has all the attributes to lead the club forwards.

"He is tactically a good player with a lot of experience," said Wenger.

"William is 30 years old, has 70 caps, played in a World Cup final. He has won titles, and is a winner."

Gilberto - currently working on match fitness following an extended break after Brazil'sCopa America triumph - stood in for Henry as skipper many times last season.

Wenger, though, feels the veteran midfielder will have no problems with the new appointment.

"For me, the hierarchy isn't very important," said the Gunners boss.

"Gallas did that in the whole pre-season and why should I now suddenly change? Gilberto is not here. He is one of the two vice-captains who will be natural leaders in the side."