Derby stakes never higher - Wenger

ARSENE WENGER knows the stakes could not be higher as Arsenal prepare for the final north-London derby at Highbury against fellow Champions League hopefuls Tottenham today (12.30pm).

The Gunners would close the gap on fourth place to just a point with victory over their bitter local rivals - and so be in pole position to qualify again for Europe's elite club competition by virtue of their game in hand.

And with Highbury set to close its turnstiles for the final time on May 7, the visit of a reborn Spurs under Martin Jol has taken on extra significance.