A classic in store with so much on the line for rivals

IT IS 20 years this week since Arsenal's 'Invincibles' won the league at White Hart Lane, crowning one of the finest campaigns in English top-flight history in the sweetest way possible.

Mikel Arteta's side cannot do the same at Tottenham's new home on Sunday, but the latest edition of the north London derby could be the most significant in a title race since, and an Arsenal win would maintain their hopes of a first championship since 2004, even if Manchester City remain firm favourites.

For both clubs, a fixture which is always more important than any other is charged with even greater jeopardy than usual this weekend. Both have the chance to make it a memorable occasion, maybe even one for the ages, albeit for very contrasting reasons.

Arsenal still have to play Bournemouth, Manchester United (at Old Trafford) and Everton, but on paper the derby is their toughest test remaining, not least because it is the last of a gruelling run of nine games in 29 days and ahead of three clear midweeks in the run-in.

A third win in the space of a week would demonstrate beyond doubt that Arteta's side have recovered from the setbacks against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, which many predicted would effectively end their season, and pile the pressure back onto City, who play later on Sunday.

A statement result for Arteta's side would also have the added bonus of denting their rivals' top-four challenge and demonstrating just how far clear Arsenal are of Ange Postecoglou's promising but green Spurs project.