Sky Sports pundit Tony Gale has given his prediction on whether or not Arsenal can finish in the top-four of the Premier League this season.

The former West Ham defender thought the Manchester clubs were clear favourites for the top-two positions, but when it came to the teams from the big six he thought Arsenal would miss out on Champions League qualification this year.

Gale said via the Express: “For me, if you look at it like that, Liverpool and Arsenal have not got enough as what the other sides have got at the moment. I think Arsenal and Liverpool going forward are a threat to anyone but I think they’ve got defence frailties.”

Both Arsenal and Liverpool did struggle with defensive issues in their opening games of the season, but we are yet to see either at full strength. Liverpool, in particular, are looking to the transfer market to strengthen.

Arsenal have been more hurt by injuries and suspensions. Laurent Koscielny is still serving a ban while Per Mertesacker, Shkodran Mustafi and Gabriel are all yet to appear in the league for the Gunners. All four players would have a good claim for being a first-choice when fit too.

Gale clearly doesn’t believe that either club has enough even when the squads are at full strength to finish in a top-four spot, believing Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will finish below Manchester City and Manchester United.

In order to prove the pundit wrong, the Gunners will have to tighten up at the back, hopefully starting at the weekend when Arsenal face Stoke.