Gareth Bale has added fuel to the fire of the North London rivalry, saying Spurs has overtaken Arsenals role in the Premier League. The weekend's derby will show if it is true.

Premier League Round 38
White Hart Lane
03-03-2013 @ 16.00 UK

How are the two teams form?

Tottenham is currently positioned 4 in the Premier League, 1 point ahead of Arsenal (Before tonight's match against West Ham). Spurs has played a good season so far and is unbeaten in their last 10 matches. Furthermore, that are still playing in the Europa League where they will meet Inter next. The club's top scorer is Gareth Bale with so far 13 goals.

Arsenal has yet played  a disappointing season but are unbeaten in the last 5 matches, in the Premier League. However, a loss to Blackburn in the FA Cup and a unfortunate result against Bayern Munich has left Arsenal with nothing silverware to fight for. At the moment,  they are 5 in the Premier League and will do what they can to end higher than the rivals from Tottenham.

What is the probable starting XI?

Both Jermain Defoe and Tom Huddlestone are doubtful for the match while Sandro and Younes Kaboul both are sidelined. Meanwhile, Arsenal is without both backs Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna.

Lloris

Walker - Davis - Vertonghen -  Assou-Ekotto

Lennon - Parker - Dembélé - Bale

Holtby

Adebayor
_________________________________________

Giroud

Cazorla

Podolski - Wilshere - Arteta - Walcott

Monreal - Mertesacker - Vermaelen - Monreal

Szczesny

What to expect from this match?

The North London derby has always been a fierce match and which I also expect this match to be. Arsenal, and especially Wenger, has to win this match to keep the fans off their backs, and they will go into the derby with the believe in doing so. Furthermore, Arsenal has won the last two matches with an 10-4 goalscorer. However, this time it might end with a Spurs victory for the simply reason that they are in better form.

We will see a fierce battle between the two North London teams, and both teams will stand for some attacking football. At the moment,  Spurs seems stronger than Arsenal, and I believe they will bring home a small 2-1 victory.

What are the odds?

BetVictor gives a 7/5 back on a Tottenham victory while an Arsenal victory gives a 12/5 at StanJames. Should the two teams play a draw Betfair gives a 37/45.