Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta s focused only on victory against Europa League opponents PSV Eindhoven.
Finishing top would bring another bonus: Arteta's side would receive a bye straight to the last-16 and avoid a play-off against a Champions League drop-out.
"For sure it is important (this season) because we have never played this many games after the World Cup. Any games you can skip it's a big bonus," Arteta said.
"We have discussed that. For two reasons. One because you skip two matches and also because you miss some of the top teams."
PSV sit second in the Eredivisie, having scored 35 goals in 10 games under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Nobody in Europe's major leagues has more goals and assists this season than their winger Cody Gakpo.
The match also sees former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy return to Arsenal, nearly two decades on from some titanic battles with Arsene Wenger's side.
Last season, Arteta showed his players photos of the infamous 2003 clash between Van Nistelrooy and Martin Keown.
"What I love about those games was the passion and then the quality. The individual quality both teams had was just phenomenal to watch," Arteta said.
"We want to be at the top and the best team in this country... to do that you will meet teams that want to beat you and build that rivalry to a different level. We are already experiencing things like that."
Arteta played against Van Nistelrooy while at Everton.
"Not very enjoyable. He was a terrific striker," the manager recalled. "I don't know what he'll be like to coach against, it is the first time I will do it. He is doing really well... tomorrow will be difficult."
