Can Arsenal finally win the Champions League? Here are five reasons why they can claim European glory this season.

Reason #1: They’re Currently Second Favourites

Bookmakers don’t like giving away money. If they have a team or person pegged as a favourite, they’re not doing this through guesswork. Well, the top UK betting sites widely have Arsenal second on the list of potential Champions League winners this season.

Liverpool, understandably based on their form in both Europe and the Premier League, have slightly lower odds. Yet, Arsenal sits ahead of other footballing giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Man City. Okay, there’s going to be some biasedness from British bettors, but it’s still a positive sign to see Arsenal being backed so strongly by punters.

Reason #2: Automatic Qualification Is Almost Secured

As you likely know by now, in the new Champions League format, automatic qualification to the last 16 requires a top-eight finish during the league phase. Arsenal are currently at a lofty third position on 13 points.

Yes, the table can quickly change. For instance, AC Milan are only one point behind Arsenal but are nine places below. Yet the Gunners have two positives in their favour. One, a higher goal difference than any other team on 13 points. Two, a relatively easy last two fixtures against Dinamo Zagreb (24th) and Girona (30th).

To put it in perspective, you can find Arsenal as low as 1/20 to qualify in the top eight with bookies.

Reason #3: An Easier Route Through the Competition

Extending on from the previous reason, automatic qualification means avoiding the dreaded two-legged playoffs. Those extra matches are left to the teams that rank from 9-24 in the league. That’s not good when fixtures are already coming thick and fast in February.

Along with avoiding those playoffs, Arsenal should get a favourable last 16 draw. Okay, teams like Real Madrid, Juventus, Man City, Bayern, and Borussia Dortmund are currently in the playoff positions. One or two of those should climb into the automatic positions. Even if that doesn’t happen, the odds are in Arsenal’s favour to get a slightly easier team in the last 16 if they automatically qualify.

Reason #4: Strong European Form

Arsenal’s position in the league table wasn’t achieved on a fluke. The four games they’ve won – including a 5-1 statement against Sporting Lisbon, ending their 30-match unbeaten home run – were done with comfort.

Their other two results were a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Atalanta and a 0-1 loss to Inter Milan, a game which Arsenal largely dominated at the San Siro. Their form has been strong over these four matches overall, particularly when they’ve had a harder draw than most teams in this league stage.

Reason #5: The Right Foundation

Arsenal haven’t been at their free flowing best in front of goal. That’s certainly the case in open play. However, the club possesses a strong defensive foundation. This is evidenced not only in them conceding just two goals across six Champions League games, but also their Premier League form. They tend to concede little in the way of big chances to the opposition.

This foundation is ideal for knockout competitions like the Champions League.