That’s according to Joey Barton, who believes Arsene Wenger is in for a tough year this term.
The Gunners kick off their Europa League campaign later this week when they welcome German outfit FC Koln to the Emirates.
Barton reckons playing on Thursday evenings will hamper Wenger and co and will see them miss out on Champions League football for next season.
Barton told talkSPORT: “I don’t think they’re going to get into the Champions League spots this year, and they’ve got a Europa League campaign to contend with.
“Any side that’s in that, you usually reckon it’s worth a negative of six points with the travelling on a Thursday night and playing Thursday and Sunday.
“Wenger has created great teams down the years, but for him it’s a tough one.
“You saw the Liverpool result and everyone is saying he should have gone and his critics are back out of the woodwork, so he’s in a tough position and it’s not going to get any easier.”
Barton also believes Arsenal will struggle this season due to their frailties at the back.
He added: “Getting [Alexis] Sanchez back on the pitch is going to be vital for them, getting him happy and back playing because anything they’ve done well over the last couple of years has been through that man.
“So the transfer window closing and him still being an Arsenal player is a massive plus.
“[Danny] Welbeck being back is also a big plus, but their problems are the same problems, and that central defensive area will be their Achilles heel this season.
“They’re going to score goals but they’re not going to be able to keep the clean sheets to mount a title challenge.”
Arsenal, who beat Bournemouth 3-0 on Saturday, take on Chelsea in the Premier League this Sunday.
