Former Arsenal striker Martin Hayes, a veteran of many bruising north London derbies in the 1980s, believes his former club have a great chance of extending there excellent run at The Lane. The lads have got a week s rest before the game while Spurs have

Former Arsenal striker Martin Hayes, a veteran of many bruising north London derbies in the 1980s, believes his former club have a great chance of extending there excellent run at The Lane.

"The lads have got a week's rest before the game while Spurs have their cup semi this weekend," said Hayes, now a pundit on Arsenal TV Online.

"Maybe we should be supporting them this weekend because if they win they will be through to the final and that could prove a distraction for them.

"Believe me, once you make a final it can be very hard to focus on the league.

"But Tottenham's game at Wembley could really be to our advantage as it could take a lot out of them. We can rest players this week and we still have a chance for the title so there is plenty to play for this season.

"Wenger will be telling his players that ahead of Wednesday.

"The Barcelona game is history. Really, Lionel Messi was the difference because if it wasn't for him it would have been a pretty even game between two passing sides.

"But as I say, it is gone now and there is still the Premier League to go for. Tottenham away is always massive, whatever the context, and we have a great record there. I really believe we can go there, do well, and win.