Arsenal legend Robert Pires believes his former team's best chance of winning the Europa League is to steer clear of Celtic.

Pires was speaking about the club's chances of winning the competition that would give them a direct entry into the Champions League.

He spoke out regarding the strength of the competition, given how teams like Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are still in with a chance of winning it.

Pires said: "Atletico and Arsenal are the favourites, for me this is the final in Lyon.

"They both have a lot of experience, especially in the Champions League.

"They just need to avoid each other and Celtic if they want to face each other in the final.

"I love Celtic. It is not easy for any team, especially in Celtic Park. The atmosphere is amazing.

"When you are a player, inside, playing against Celtic, it is a great atmosphere. It is still very close to the pitch, maybe only Liverpool has a similar atmosphere.

"That's why it is very difficult to win in Celtic Park."