The North London derby is guaranteed to be as exciting as ever, especially as both sides desperately need a win in order to remain close to realizing their ambitions.

Following the disappointing Champions League exit at the hands of Real, which ended a pretty successful European campaign for the Spurs, Harry Redknapp’s side are determined to clinch another Champions League berth by finishing in top 4.

Spurs closed the gap behind City as they beat Stoke at home and they now have a chance to get tied on points with Roberto Mancini’s side.

The hosts will have Peter Crouch back from European suspension, while Steven Pienaar is likely to start on bench after recovering from a groin problem.

Hutton, Palacios, Woodgate and King remain sidelined. After scoring a brace against Stoke, Crouch is 3.00 (2/1) with Sportingbet to continue the scoring run.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Gomes – Corluka, Dawson, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto – Lennon, Modric, Huddlestone, Bale – Van der Vaart – Crouch.

Arsenal missed a great chance to close the gap behind United to just four points as they couldn’t beat patched up Liverpool side at the weekend.

The Gunners came close to recording what would be an important victory as they took the lead from the penalty spot eight minutes into the injury time, but that wasn’t enough for three points as Dirk Kuyt scored four minutes later, also from the penalty spot.

Such a slip up has got to be considered a major blow for Arsene Wenger’s side and we are yet to see if the Gunners can show the right response against bitter rivals.

Wojciech Szczesny and Johan Djourou will keep their places in the side, but Manuel Almunia, Bacary Sagna and Denilson remain injury doubts. Bartley, Fabianski, Mannone and Vermaelen are out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Szczesny – Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy – Fabregas, Song, Wilshire – Walcott, Van Persie, Nasri.

Tottenham enter this match in much better spirits than their rivals, so it is a bit surprising that they are 2.88 (15/8) with Bet365 to claim maximum points, while Arsenal are 2.60 (8/5) at Paddy Power to record a much needed victory.