Former Arsenal star Liam Brady has insisted winning the Europa League is the Gunners’ best hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Arsene Wenger’s side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, just two points outside of the top four after eight game. The Gunners suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Watford last weekend, which was Arsenal third defeat in the Premier League this season.

Brady thinks his former side are going to struggle ending the season in the top four and the bookies agree – Arsenal are 8/5 to finish in the top four. Brady believes if they are to get back into the Champions League next season, the Europa League will be the club’s best hope.

While on Stand podcast, the 61-year-old said: “I’ve watched Arsenal a lot this season and they were on a good run going up to Watford, but I still wasn’t confident because we were playing teams that we really didn’t have to do much to beat.

“I’ve got major doubts about, every time we come against a team with character and strength, are we up for it. Can Arsenal cope with it?

“And I think it’s going to be a season where we won’t threaten to the top four, and I think it’s going to be a season where getting into the Champions League relies on the Europa League, where we would have a chance of winning it when we get into the latter stages and he (Arsene Wenger) puts his best team out.”

Liam Brady played for Arsenal between 1973-80, registering 235 appearances and scoring 43 goals, while also winning an FA Cup in 1979. Brady also played for the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles with the former.

After our defeat at the Vicarage Road last weekend, we now face an away trip in the Europa League to Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. Arsenal will then hope to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they travel again away to Everton on Sunday.