Alan Shearer predicts where Man United and Arsenal will finish this season

Alan Shearer has expressed his doubts that Arsenal will be able to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season.

The Gunners have come in for heavy criticism in recent days following their 3-1 loss to West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

That defeat was their fourth loss in five Premier League outings and it left Arsene Wenger’s men in sixth place in the table.

Arsenal now face a serious fight on their hands to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.

And former England star Shearer feels that the battle for fourth place in the Premier League this season will come down to a straight shootout between Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Speaking to The Sun, Shearer said: “After Saturday’s performance [against West Brom], you have got to question whether Arsenal have got the bottle or the mentality to finish fourth.

“I see it as a three-way battle between them, Liverpool and Manchester United for fourth spot.

“But, right now, I don’t fancy Arsenal for anything — and they play Manchester City in their next game.”

Arsenal return to Premier League action with their crunch clash against Manchester City at The Emirates on 2 April.

Manchester United, meanwhile, host West Brom at Old Trafford after the international break.