Ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith is backing his old club to seal a return to the Champions League this term. 

The Gunners have not competed at European football's top table since 2016-17 and have finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League for the past two seasons. 

But they are pushing hard for a top-four finish and currently have three games in hand on Manchester United and West Ham, who occupy fourth and fifth respectively heading into Matchday 28. 

And with United and the Hammers facing tricky away games against Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend, Arsenal's trip to relegation-haunted Watford gives Mikel Arteta's men every chance of leapfrogging their rivals. 

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore at the London Football Awards, Smith, 59, said: "Fourth would be a great achievement having finished eighth the last two seasons. 

"Can they do it? It’s been a season of surprises where you’re not quite sure.

"You thought United were going to put their foot on the gas. And with the amount of talent they’ve got, they really should get fourth — but they keep enduring hiccups.

"So there’s every chance for Arsenal. They’ve got plenty of games in hand. If they win them, they’ll be in a wonderful position. As an ex-Gunner, fingers crossed."

Ex-Arsenal boss George Graham shares the same view as Smith, who he managed during his time in charge at Highbury. 

The Scot said: "Arsenal are on the up and up. There are a lot of young players coming through and they’ve made some good signings, so they’re in a good place but they need a bit of time.

"I like Mikel Arteta, I like the way he coaches the team and the way he’s got them playing, but we’re going to have to be patient. 

"I think he’s the right man at the present time. He’s a student of the game. He’s worked with one of the best coaches in football in Pep Guardiola and he’s learned a lot.

"But only time will tell as it’s going to be tough."

Sensational Saka and Smith Rowe 

Two of Arsenal’s leading lights this season have been Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, who worked their way through the club’s Hale End academy to the first team. 

With 18 goals in all competitions between the London-born pair this term, Smith thinks their emergence has been important in reconnecting the team with the club's fanbase. 

He said: "You have to be a very good player to get into a Premier League team nowadays. So for Arsenal to produce the likes of those boys, they’re doing lots of things right.

"And it obviously saves you a lot of money in the transfer market. Those players have a good understanding of the club. 

"When I joined in 1987 under George, we had a fantastically talented raft of youth team players. Tony Adams, Michael Thomas, David Rocastle... they were all coming up into the first team. 

"I think that gives you a great connection with the supporters, they appreciate the Arsenal boys coming through."

Ramsdale's Three Lions hopes

Arsenal were the Premier League’s highest spenders last summer after shelling out a reported £140million on six new players.

The £30m capture of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United raised eyebrows following consecutive relegations in the previous two campaigns — but the 23-year-old goalkeeper has been one of the standout performers this term. 

Having usurped Bernd Leno for the No1 jersey, he is looking to challenge Jordan Pickford as England's first-choice stopper ahead of the World Cup later this year.

And Smith would not be surprised to see him get the nod in Qatar. He said: "Ramsdale should be aiming for that, without a doubt. 

"He’s got great confidence in his own ability. And rightfully so because he’s pulled off some fantastic saves. 

"He’s good with the ball at his feet, which is something most Premier League managers want and is certainly what Gareth Southgate wants.

"Pickford has done very little wrong so quite rightly he’s the No1, but Ramsdale is doing everything right at the moment."

Graham, 77, is also full of praise for Ramsdale. He added: "I think he’s been an excellent signing.

"I’ve seen him play a couple of times live and he looks fantastic, he really does. Very confident and knows what he’s about."