Saturday sees the 162nd derby clash between North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur and while only goal difference separates the third-placed Gunners from fourth-placed Spurs, history suggests that it is the home side who will pick up the points.

It is an amazing sixteen years since Arsenal lost at home to their arch-rivals, although many Spurs fans felt that last season’s 4-4 draw at the Emirates was as good as a win after their side scored twice in the last two minutes to salvage a point.

Off-field matters have dominated the headlines as far as Arsenal are concerned this week, with Arsene Wenger said to be mulling over a move for Spartak Moscow’s rising midfield star Jano Ananidze and American businessman Stan Kroenke upping his stake in the club’s holding company, prompting speculation that he may be poised to launch a formal takeover bid.

On the field, meanwhile, goalkeeper Vito Mannone’s place is under threat after some sub-standard performances in recent weeks and regular number one Manuel Almunia may find himself restored to first-team duties for Saturday’s crucial showdown.

Midfielder Samir Nasri could also come into contention for a place on the home bench after making his first start of the season in the midweek Carling Cup victory over Liverpool
Harry Redknapp has admitted this week that he too is keen to bolster his midfield options by drafting in Brazilian international Sandro from Internacional and the Spurs boss has also conceded that Roman Pavlyuchenko may be heading out of White Hart Lane when the transfer window reopens in January. The Russian international is desperate to secure regular first-team football ahead of next year’s World Cup, but has struggled to nail down a starting place for Spurs amidst stiff competition from Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

Injury-wise, Tottenham could be without Aaron Lennon and Jonathan Woodgate, both of whom picked up knocks against Stoke last time out, while Defoe remains suspended and neither Ledley King nor Luka Modric will be rushed back from injury ahead of the short trip to the Emirates.

Both Arsenal and Spurs have looked better going forward than they have at the back this season, so although a repeat of last term’s incredible 4-4 draw may be unlikely, it’s hard to see this game not producing a few goals. Home advantage will help the Gunners to start as favourites, but Spurs have enough firepower to trouble their rivals’ somewhat brittle backline and may do enough to grab a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur