Man Utd and Arsenal will both crash out of the Champions League – Charlie Nicholas

Louis van Gaal knows if Man Utd win they will qualify for the last 16

FORMER Scotland international Charlie Nicholas believes both Arsenal and Manchester United will fail to qualify for the the Champions League knockout stages.

 

United will be guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they beat Wolfsburg, while while the Gunners must beat Olympiakos by any scoreline other than 1-0 or 2-1 to progress.  

However, Nicholas doesn't have much hope for Arsene Wenger's and Louis van Gaal's sides and fears both Premier League outfits will fail to achieve qualification.

"Wolfsburg are fifth in the Bundesliga and, in Bas Dost and Max Kruse, they have goals in them, particularly at home, which is unlike United," he told Sky Sports. 

 

"The real worry for me is, as strong as they've been at the back, I'm not sure they have the goals in them when it counts and I think they're going to go out. 

"Arsenal can do it, there's no doubt about that, but I'm not totally convinced that they will because the injury situation is a dramatic one. 

"For too many years now they've needed the big performances and they get them but somehow fall short. 

 

Arsenal lost the reverse fixture to Olympiakos in September

"I mean, how can you beat Bayern Munich and still be in this situation?

"I see Arsenal scoring their two goals but I have a horrible feeling that they'll get into a good position and then concede and go out."

Manchester City are already through to the last 16, while Chelsea need a point against Porto to secure their progress into the knockout rounds.