The north London derby always holds significance for Spurs fans, but Saturday's crunch match with Arsenal is set to be a cracker.

Though Champions League qualification remains in Tottenham's hands, the lunchtime match is likely to play a decisive role in the battle for fourth place.

Spurs' 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United on Easter Monday, coupled with the Gunners' victory over West Brom, has closed the gap to four points, with Spurs having played a game more.

And head coach Martin Jol knows a victory on Saturday would prove a crushing blow to Arsene Wenger's hopes of overturning that gap.

Spurs went into the clash with Manchester United on the back of an impressive 1-0 win at Everton. But Sir Alex Ferguson's side knew nothing less than a victory would leave Chelsea free to wrap up the title later in the afternoon.

England striker Wayne Rooney's first-half brace left Spurs with a mountain to climb but Jermaine Jenas' 53rd-minute tap-in brought fresh hope during a scintillating second half. Despite throwing everything at United, a second goal never came.

Afterwards Jol lamented at not having aggressive target man Mido as a physical presence up front.

But he hopes the Egyptian striker will return to the squad after missing the Easter period with a groin injury.

Jol said: "We missed Mido in the last 20 minutes against United because in the circumstances we were in, looking to try and get that equaliser, you would love to have a big man up front.

"Mido gives us that option."

Saturday's big derby kicks off at 12.45pm.