Premier League: Tottenham play host to Arsenal in a North London derby

Old rivalries will be rekindled on Sunday when Tottenham welcome North London neighbours Arsenal to White Hart Lane.

Old rivalries will be rekindled on Sunday when Tottenham welcome North London neighbours Arsenal to White Hart Lane.Local pride will once again be put on the line as two of the capital's fiercest rivals go toe-to-toe, but the fact that both clubs are pushing hard for a top-four finish this season has added extra spice to the occasion.

Spurs' impressive progress under Andre Villas-Boas has taken them to third spot in the Premier League table, with their sights now being set on ending the campaign as the top side in London.

That is a standing Arsenal have been used to occupying down the years, but they are sweating on their continued involvement in the UEFA Champions League.

Arsene Wenger has a faultless record when it comes to securing a seat at European football's top table, but there is no guarantee that invitation will be renewed in 2013/14.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal will head into derby day on the back of three straight wins in the league, while recent encounters between the two suggest fireworks can be expected - with there having been just one goalless draw between the pair since 1998 and 53 goals plundered in their last 11 meetings in all competitions.Tottenham are unlikely to tweak too much given their recent run of form, with all eyes set to be on Gareth Bale once again.

The Welsh winger has netted eight times in his last six appearances - including a number of spectacular strikes - and Arsenal must find a way of keeping him quiet if they are to shackle Spurs.

Clint Dempsey remains about a week away from a return to fitness as he continues to nurse a calf complaint.

Jermain Defoe remains sidelined with a foot injury, meaning Emmauel Adebayor will continue to lead the line, while Tom Huddlestone (knee) is also on the treatment table.

Arsenal will be without defender Bacary Sagna for their short trip to White Hart Lane.

The French full-back is struggling with a knee injury and has been ruled out of contention by Wenger.

The Gunners boss may, however, welcome Abou Diaby into his ranks on Saturday, with the midfielder rated at 50-50 to shake off a calf problem.

Left-back Kieran Gibbs is out with a thigh injury, but Laurent Koscielny and Lukas Podolski are pushing hard for recalls after finding themselves on the bench for last weekend's home date with Aston Villa.