Switch article view:Match preview In-form Tottenham aiming for historic win over misfiring Arsenal
By Julian Shea.
Kick off Sunday 26 February 2012 at 13:30, Emirates Stadium.
As the Olympics grow ever closer, on Sunday afternoon we may see the passing on of the torch, as Tottenham finally cement their dominance over Arsenal.
In all Arsene Wenger's 16 years at Arsenal, their most bitter rivals have never finished above them, but with in-form Spurs 10 points better off, that looks almost certain to happen this year, and victory on Sunday would not only make that more likely, but also put a major dent in the Gunners' Champions League hopes.
Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny is battling to be fit after a knee injury but Per Mertesacker is definitely out after injuring his leg at Sunderland.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey may miss out because of an ankle problem and striker Marouane Chamakh has a toe problem.
With Spurs fancying their chances of a first league double over their neighbours since 1993, the 150th North London derby is sure to be one of the most fiercely contested in a long time.
The fact that former Arsenal hero Emmanuel Adebayor now leads the line for Spurs just adds fuel to the fire.
He should be fit after missing the FA Cup draw at Stevenage with a twisted knee, and could partner Rafael van der Vaart up front after he returned to training following three games out with a calf injury.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto should be fit despite having had minor groin surgery and Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe have recovered from minor knocks.
And just in case Arsenal did not feel the odds were already stacked against them enough, a look at the referee will just make things worse.
Mike Dean is the man with the whistle and they have failed to win any of their last 11 league games where he has officiated.
Listen to our football experts Russ Williams, Jim Proudfoot and Ian Wright for a look ahead to the weekend's games in Friday's edition of Ian Wright's podcast.
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