Real Madrid is a ‘very winnable tie’ for Arsenal, claims Chris Sutton on the latest It’s ‘All Kicking Off!’ podcast

Although pipping Liverpool to the title is impossible, Arsenal fans can tentatively look forward to progression in the Champions League against Real Madrid, claims former player and pundit Chris Sutton on the latest ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast.

Mercurial European cup winners Madrid currently sit second in LaLiga, three points behind Hansi Flick’s Barcelona while their European form this campaign has fallen below their consistently high standards.

Los Blancos narrowly survived the league stage of the competition, with losses against Lille and AC Milan requiring the side to defeat Man City in a knockout round to progress.

Sutton told co-host and Mail Football Editor Ian Ladyman: ‘I think Arsenal fans are clutching at straws if they think they are still in a title race.

‘They’ll be focusing on Madrid – which I think is a very winnable tie for Arsenal. Madrid probably go into the game as everyone’s favorites, with the array of talent at their disposal, but Arsenal could beat Madrid over two legs.

‘I am certain of it, in the same way as I am also pretty certain they’re not going to be able to reel in Liverpool at this stage.’

Arsenal’s Champions League form has been impressive, with high-scoring victories against Sporting and Monaco as well as a 7-1 ripping apart of Eindhoven in the round of 16.

Arteta will likely view Europe as his side’s best chance at silverware this season, having been eliminated from the FA Cup and sitting twelve points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League.

Chris Sutton: ‘Madrid probably go into the game as everyone’s favorites, with the array of talent at their disposal, but Arsenal could beat Madrid over two legs’

Despite Arsenal fans’ excitement at a recent drop in Liverpool’s form, Ladyman said that Arne Slot’s side will be ‘too motivated’ to allow the league slip through their fingers.

Liverpool play Merseyside rivals Everton this week, their first fixture back since eliminations in the Champions League and Carabao Cup respectively.

‘Liverpool need a psychological lift’, said Ladyman.

‘It’ll be two-and-a-half weeks since their loss in the Carabao Cup final when they face Everton: that physical recuperation will help Liverpool.

‘They’ll be motivated too. They’ve got Everton at home, Fulham away, West Ham at home and Leicester away. Really, they should get enough out of those four games to clinch the title.

‘If they don’t with the title, something would have gone very badly wrong.’

To hear Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton’s full opinions on the week’s fixtures – and a debate on Arsenal’s new dating service, listen to ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ now, wherever you get your podcasts.