It’s been a while since Tottenham were last considered favourites in the North London derby, so we are eagerly awaiting to see how Spurs will wear the favourites tag.

While heavy defeats to Manchester rivals at the start of the season were definitely hard to take, it was maybe better that Spurs faced such strong rivals at the start of the league campaign than to have dropped points against weaker sides.

Harry Redknapp’s side have shown a lot of improvement since, partly thanks to the impressive showings of new boys Adebayor and Parker, and they now enter the Arsenal game in great mood.

Tottenham have won their last three Premiership games, while picking up four points in Europa League despite playing with severely weakened team, and they are now 2.20 (6/5) with Paddy Power to continue the great run by beating their neighbours.

Emmanuel Adebayor was rested in the 3:1 win over Shamrock, meaning that he is now set to face his former side, and after scoring three goals in as many league games for Spurs, the Togolese is 2.50 (3/2) with Ladbrokes to score against Arsenal.

Another former Arsenal player, William Gallas, is out through injury, as are Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone. Steven Pienaar is back after recovering from a groin problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Friedel – Walker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto – Lennon, Modric, Parker, Bale – Adebayor, Defoe.

After experiencing numerous difficulties at the start of the season, Arsenal have shown some improvement, but this is still not the Arsenal we are all used to seeing.

There are no doubts that Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas are sorely missed, but it is Jack Wilshire’s injury that has created the biggest problems.

Arsenal have won their last three games in all competitions, but home wins against Shrewsbury, Bolton and Olympiakos can hardly be considered a major achievement.

It is in this match that the Gunners will have to prove that the crisis is over and Arsenal are 3.60 (13/5) with Victor Chandler to claim maximum points at the Lane.

Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshire are definitely out, whereas Theo Walcott and Gervinho face late fitness tests.

Yossi Benayoun and Sebastien Squillaci are back to contention, but the Frenchman will not be considered for a starting place due to the lack of match fitness.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Song, Andre Santos – Arteta, Ramsey, Benayoun – Walcott, Van Persie, Gervinho.