Arsenal v Spurs: Ray Parlour and Darren Anderton on where the north London derby will be decided

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the 177th north London derby on Sunday and Ray Parlour and Darren Anderton tell us where the match at the Emirates could be won and lost.

The rivals head into the fixture, which is live on Sky Sports 1 at 4pm, as the two most in-form sides in the Premier League over the last six matches, although Parlour thinks home advantage makes his former team "slight favourites".

However, Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 10 top-flight contests and can move to within just two points of the Gunners with a win this weekend.

And Parlour and Anderton - who featured in a number of clashes between the clubs over the years - look at some of the key head-to-head battles that may decide the outcome on Sunday afternoon.

GOALKEEPERS: Pech Cech v Hugo Lloris

Parlour's verdict: Cech was superb against Bayern Munich at home, he has been a great signing and a top-class goalkeeper can keep you in the game. He has fitted in very nicely and it was no gamble whatsoever when they bought him and he is key, not just for this game, but for the whole season going forward. To win the title, you always need a top-class keeper, and he is certainly one of them.

Anderton's verdict: Lloris was outstanding last season, an unbelievable shot stopper, one of the best goalkeepers in the world for me. He does it week in, week out, and does not seem to make any mistakes.

CENTRE BACKS: Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny v Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld

Parlour's verdict: Koscielny is Arsenal's most important player, and if he is fit then they look more solid at the back with him there. When he plays alongside Mertesacker, they do play better together. If Koscielny plays, then Arsenal have a much better chance of getting all three points, so all eyes will be on the team sheet on Sunday.

I am panicking a little bit about Arsenal's back four, as we saw against Bayern there were a lot of holes and the understanding was not there. I am concerned over Hector Bellerin's absence, who has been outstanding, while Mathieu Debuchy will come in, but he has not had a lot of football.

So if it is Gabriel and Mertesacker, then I am sure Harry Kane will play on Mertesacker's shoulder and try and run him into the channel and stretch him if he can.

If Koscielny plays, then Arsenal have a much better chance of getting all three points

Anderton's verdict: Alderweireld has been absolutely outstanding, one of the signings of the season, and the pair [with Vertonghen] have built a great relationship. Spurs used to be soft at the back, but not so this season, and the two this season have been outstanding.

When Koscielney's not there, Arsenal really do struggle as he is the one who makes it all stick, and Mertesacker needs him next to him with that pace to get him out of trouble.

MIDFIELD CREATORS: Mesut Ozil v Christian Eriksen

Parlour's verdict: Ozil, the assists he has had this season, has been superb, he has been chipping in with goals as well, and is certainly doing it for Arsenal and justifying his £42m price tag.

This is where the game will be won, and he is a very clever player, and he's probably a forward's dream as he can see a pass before anyone else. He prefers to play with someone who has a bit of pace up front, like Walcott, but he has really stepped it up this season.

This will be where the game will probably be won, who can control that midfield area, with Cazorla, Sanchez, Ozil Coquelin, and Campbell will probably play on the right of midfield with the injuries they have got. And that will be key.

Your big players have got to turn up for games like the north London derby and if Ozil, Sanchez and Cazorla can have good games, then Arsenal will be favourites.

Anderton's verdict: Eriksen is a top player, he has been outstanding since he came to the club, he's the one who has got that little bit of magic and X-factor. He has not been playing his best in the last couple of games, but he did put in great ball against Bournemouth for Harry Kane.

In that final third, he has got real ability, knows how to spot a pass. And when he gets opportunities himself, he is as cool as a cucumber, he scores goals and he has got real quality with his set plays.

ATTACK: Olivier Giroud v Harry Kane

Parlour's verdict: I know Giroud has not had a lot of football in the Premier League recently because of Theo Walcott playing there, but he is in form. He has now got his opportunity and he always seems to pop up with a goal, even coming off the bench. But he is really good and dangerous from set plays, he knows where to make the runs, and then it is all about the delivery, which is where you need Ozil on form.

People knock him, but his form at the moment is superb. He scored against Bayern in midweek and all he needs is the service. The likes of Sanchez have got to create chances for him, but he is the sort of player who can hold the ball up, which brings the midfield - where Arsenal are probably strongest - into play.

Anderton's verdict: Kane is in a rich vein of form at the moment and he has answered his critics recently with five goals in three games. For me he is a very good player, is still young, learning and can score all types of goals, and is now coming into his own and flying after not having a pre-season.

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KEY MEN

Parlour's verdict: Koscielny is the key if he plays as Arsenal are much more solid. Coquelin has to do a job on Eriksen, which he is good at as he has had a really good season so far. And with the flair players being at home, that is a big advantage for Arsenal, where they have a good record at the Emirates.

Ray's prediction: Arsenal to win 2-1

Anderton's verdict: Eriksen has got to get involved in the game and if Spurs can get him in the final third, then he can play little balls in for Harry Kane. That is where you want Eriksen, in those areas, especially with the way it went for Arsenal in midweek, with their confidence probably lacking a bit.

Darren's prediction: Spurs to win 2-1 

Watch the north London derby live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 3.30pm on Sunday