Ex-Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna is backing his former club to beat Tottenham in the North London derby this weekend.

The Gunners need to secure a victory over their fierce rivals in order to keep their title challenge on track and, speaking to Paddy Power, Sagna said Mikel Arteta’s side should come out on top:

“I think Arsenal have to beat Tottenham. It’s a derby, and the intensity and quality is with Arsenal. Spurs have good players, but the way Arsenal approach this game every time is right.”

“Even with the pressure, they manage to perform. I’m looking forward to seeing Arsenal beating Spurs – not only because of momentum for the league, but because it matters to the fans and players.”

What’s the state of play in the title race?

After Liverpool’s defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, it is now very much a two-horse race for the Premier League title.

Arsenal may have a four-point lead at the moment but, with Manchester City playing Brighton on Thursday night, it may be down to one by the time they face Tottenham. Arteta’s men need to keep the pressure on their title rivals by beating Spurs.

What is Arsenal’s record like away to Spurs?

The Gunners’ form in derbies away from the Emirates is pretty poor. Since 2014, they have won 1, drawn 2 and lost 6 of their league games against their North London rivals.

Crucially, though, that victory came last season, when an own goal from Hugo Lloris and a Martin Odegaard strike sealed a 2-0 win.

Of course, that game was played in January last year, rather than in late April, so there is even more pressure with Arsenal in the midst of a title battle.

Spurs, will, of course, want to dent their rival’s hopes of finishing in top spot. With Everton having already left Liverpool’s title hopes in tatters, Gunners fans will be hoping the same thing doesn’t happen to them.