Tottenham are favourites to beat 'stale' Arsenal, says David Bentley but he admits title bid will be 'hard work'

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David Bentley believes Tottenham should beat Arsenal when two of his former clubs face off with north London pride on the line this weekend.

The 33-year-old, who scored a stunning goal for Spurs in this fixture during a memorable 4-4 draw back in 2008, thinks the Gunners are in a 'stale period'.

Bentley cites morale and 'quality' as two areas in which Tottenham are ahead of their rivals going into Saturday's derby at the Emirates.

Former midfielder David Bentley thinks Tottenham are favourites to win at Arsenal on Saturday

Speaking to 888sport, he said: 'Tottenham have the upper hand at the minute on quality. They are probably the better team.

'They've beaten Real Madrid in recent weeks and the confidence is high within each individual player. They're probably the favourites and they've earned their right to be favourites.

'Arsenal are in a stale period and are having problems with their players. Their top stars are unhappy. So Tottenham are probably the favourites and are expected to win.'

Tottenham will start the game four points above Arsenal, but eight behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that he wants his side to compete to win their first domestic title since 1961, but Bentley doesn't expect that 56-year wait to end this season.

Bentley believes that Tottenham are ahead of the Gunners in terms of 'quality' and team spirit

'Arsenal are in a stale period and are having problems with their players,' according to Bentley

'I don't think you can say never but it (the eight-point gap) makes it hard work,' Bentley explained.

'Chelsea showed last year that you don't have to be flying from the start so you never know but a defeat this Saturday certainly makes it highly unlikely.

'To be honest I think each set of individuals should be concentrating on just winning the game because it's so important for the fans.

'All my mates are Tottenham and Arsenal and they dine out on it for the rest of the year. It's a brilliant game to be involved in as well.'

Read the full interview with Bentley, including his thoughts on Arsene Wenger's treatment of Alexandre Lacazette at 888sport.com.

Bentley played for both clubs but is most famous for a 2008 goal for Spurs against Arsenal