Soccer:Arsenal's planned St Stephen's Day home match against Wolves has been put back 24 hours to December 27th because of proposed industrial action by London Underground drivers.

Although a strike could still be averted, the north London club said the Premier League game would have to be moved “due to the preparation period needed to safely operate Emirates Stadium by all the relevant agencies”.

Chelsea announced yesterday their London derby with Fulham would go ahead despite the possible disruption.

A High Court judge in London was expected to decide today whether to halt the planned strike by drivers embroiled in a pay row. London Underground bosses asked Mr Justice Eder to stop industrial action, during a hearing in London yesterday.

A statement regarding the match postponement from Arsenal read: “This decision has had to be made now, before the result of the legal challenge to the proposed industrial action is finally known, due to the preparation period needed to safely operate Emirates Stadium by all the relevant agencies.

“The club has been liaising closely in order to make this decision, with all the relevant agencies, including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Underground, the FA Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Islington Council.

“The paramount concern was always the duty of care towards the Arsenal supporters, Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters, matchday employees, workers and indeed everyone who was planning to attend the match.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters, but we feel that the right decision has been made based on a duty of care. All tickets purchased for this match are still valid for Tuesday, December 27th.”