Owen Hargreaves has insisted that the Europa League remains the best route for both Arsenal and Manchester United to reach the Champions League.
Both clubs begin their European campaign on Thursday night, having finished fifth and sixth in the Premier League last season, respectively.
Arsenal have made an indifferent start to the season, taking eight points from their first five league fixtures.
Sunday's 2-2 draw with Watford was a particularly disappointing result for Unai Emery's side, having thrown away a two-goal lead at Vicarage Road.
Things don't get much easier for the Gunners as they take on last season's semi-finalists Eintracht Frankfurt in their opening Group F fixture.
With that in mind, Hargreaves has admitted he can't see either Arsenal or United, who sit fourth in the table after five fixtures, finishing in the top four this season, leaving the Europa League as their best route into Europe's elite competition.
Speaking to BT Sport ahead of Arsenal's clash with the German outfit, he said: "I think it is massive for both of them.
"They have fallen behind.
"This is a competition that is must-win for both of them.
"I don't see either of them finishing in the top four the way they have been playing.
"I think the best way for them to get in there is this competition.
"Manchester United with all their young players it is a great opportunity for them against smaller teams.
"I think for Arsenal, again with the players they have, can they find a way to win this competition.
"They have one of the best squads in the competition but they have a tough test tonight against Frankfurt."
