Sigurdsson gearing up for epic encounter

Tottenham Gylfi Sigurdsson says the race for the top four won't be decided by this Sunday's north London derby but concedes the game with Arsenal is massive.

Spurs were able to maintain their four point advantage over their local rivals thanks to Gareth Bale's late winner in the 3-2 win at West Ham on Monday night.

The result also lifted Andre Villas-Boas's men above London rivals Chelsea as the chase for a Champions League spot continues to heat up.

Spurs are now priced at 1.53 to finish in the top four, while the Blues are 1.25 and Arsenal are 1.90.

Last year the Lilywhites finished fourth but didn't qualify for the Champions League after Chelsea won the competition.

Tottenham are determined to put right the wrongs of last term and could take a giant step towards securing a top four finish if they can defeat fierce rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners have won the last two encounters, both at the Emirates Stadium, 5-2 but haven't been in the best of form lately, despite last Saturday's 2-1 win over Aston Villa.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is under intense pressure to make sure his team finish in the top four and a win on Sunday could go a long way to appeasing the restless natives at the Emirates.

With so much riding on the game Sigurdsson admits the contest is a big one.

However, the Icelandic midfielder is keen to stress that a defeat for either team won't be catastrophic and expects the fight for the top four to go down to the last day of the season.

"It is going to be a massive game for us," Sigurdsson said.

"However, anything is possible in football. The league was won in the last minute on the last day, so even if we beat them it is not finished.

"First, though, we have to beat them to start thinking about that. It will be a great atmosphere. Hopefully we can get a win and stay above Chelsea."

Tottenham are 2.30 to claim the bragging rights over their local rivals, while Arsenal are 3.00 and the draw 3.50

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