Police will not allow the kick-off for Arsenal's Champions League tie with Dynamo Kiev at Wembley on Wednesday to be delayed, despite the threat of travel chaos in the area.
The club's first Champions League game at the stadium, against Panathinaikos on 30 September, was put back 25 minutes after supporters were held up on the underground.
The authorities are preparing for more problems on the underground and roads next week. Thousands of Hindus will be at Diwali celebrations less than two miles from the ground and Wembley Arena is hosting Disney on Ice.
An estimated 90,000 people could be in the area at kick-off time but police will not delay the start if there are any travel problems.
'It could be a nightmare, but the game will start on time, even if the stadium is half empty,' said a police spokeswoman.
Arsenal will offer fans an incentive to get to the ground early and details will be on Soccernet on Monday.
The immediate concern for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to recover the momentum his side had before the break for international duty.
Arsenal had 14 players away with England, France, Sweden and Holland and Wenger said: 'We must get the right spirit and concentration for tomorrow.' Out of the game against Southampton at Highbury is French midfielder Emmanuel Petit who damaged a hamstring playing against Russia. Ray Parlour and Tony Adams, both withdrawals from the England squad, will have tests and Frederik Ljunberg strained a groin muscle playing for Sweden.
The problems for Wenger will increase should Petit fail to recover for next Wednesday. Patrick Vieira is suspended and Ljunberg is ineligible.