Andre Villas-Boas confident he can keep Bale at Spurs

Victory would move Villas-Boas's men seven points ahead of bitter rivals Arsenal with 10 games to go - and show that Tottenham are a club going places.

Bale has been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona after notching 23 goals for club and country this season but his manager insisted: "We will try to hold on to our assets.

"We believe that we have to hold on to the best players in order to achieve our objectives."

He added: "I think for a player to develop to his full potential, it can be done perfectly in this league.

"I think Gareth has that in mind, not only regarding Spurs but regarding this league too."

Some have likened the Welsh midfielder to Real and Barca stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Villas-Boas said: "He is world class and those two players are.

"Gareth at the moment is showing that level of form to be at the level of those two players, who have won so much throughout their careers, including European trophies.

"He still has to achieve that and we hope he can achieve it with us. I think he is very down to earth."

But the Portuguese manager played down the significance of Sunday's derby, saying a win wouldn't guarantee Champions League football.

"Seven points is still recoverable for a team like Arsenal.

"It's all very tight still, but obviously we know the importance of the fixture and the way it can impact on both clubs moving forward."

Arsenal thrashed Spurs 5-2 in the reverse fixture in November after the early dismissal of Emmanuel Adebayor against his old club for a reckless challenge on Santi Cazorla.

Jermain Defoe is back from an ankle injury but may start on the bench.

Counterpart Arsene Wenger maintained his side would not be making any special plans to try to shackle Bale, who was once scouted by Arsenal when a youngster at Southampton.

"We don't plan for anybody. It is always the same - focus on our strengths and forget about your opponent," he said.

"There is nobody special that you least like to face. All players have different qualities."

Despite recent disappointment against Blackburn in the FA Cup and losing at home to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash, Arsenal have found some form in the Premier League.

They are unbeaten in five games and have won their last three, leaving them two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Gunners will be without defender Bacary Sagna (knee), while midfielder Abou Diaby is 50/50 with a calf problem.