We’ve lost a match winner.  Bale scored 26 goals last season and there were some absolutely some crucial ones, such as his last minute winner at West Ham. We were dubbed as a “one-man” side and now we have word-class strength and depth in the additions which Levy, Baldini and AVB have made to the Spurs ranks since the end of the last campaign. It’s an exciting time to be a Spurs fans, but we cannot sit back on our laurels.  The new arrivals have to ‘gel’ immediately and fill the void which Bale will leave.

I would like to welcome Neil from Spurs News to give his take on the upcoming North London derby.

With Bale on the brink of a move to Real Madrid do you think you are better off today rather than before the window opened?

Bale is a great player, but now we have a squad which is brimming with talent. In Soldado, Paulinho, Chadli, Chiriches, Capoue, Eriksen and Lamela we have brought in seven quality players who can hopefully take us to the next level.

What strengths have you lost without Bale and what have you gained in his absence?

We’ve lost a match winner.  Bale scored 26 goals last season and there were some absolutely some crucial ones, such as his last minute winner at West Ham.

We were dubbed as a “one-man” side and now we have word-class strength and depth in the additions which Levy, Baldini and AVB have made to the Spurs ranks since the end of the last campaign.

It’s an exciting time to be a Spurs fans, but we cannot sit back on our laurels.  The new arrivals have to ‘gel’ immediately and fill the void which Bale will leave.

Which of your new players have you been most impressed with and who do you think is your most exciting signing?

Paulinho has looked absolutely class in midfield, Capoue has come in under the radar and has been immense in the defensive midfield role.   I have big hopes for Roberto Soldado, we have missed having a striker who can bang them in for fun since Dimitar Berbatov headed to Old Trafford.

Given your work in the transfer market, are Tottenham favourites to finish above Arsenal in your opinion?

I think the expectation is there.  We’ve made a big statement with the business we’ve done this summer.  You suffered a blip on the opening day against Villa, but I think we’ll have a better idea of how things could pan out for both of us come Saturday evening.

What would you need to make yourself title contenders or do you feel you are already there?

We need another left-back to compete with Danny Rose (since many expect Assou-Ekotto) to leave, Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao would be a fantastic addition.

We’re also short of another prolific forward and cannot expect Soldado to do it all himself.  Defoe appears to have a bit-part role this season, as for Adebayor..

What are your thoughts on Emmanuel Adebayor?

He started life at Spurs with a bang, he was superb in his first season here (while on loan from Man City).  Last season he just didn’t look bothered, a few have tried to say it’s because of injuries and the African Nations Cup but it seems to be more than that.

This season he’s already suffered the loss of his brother which will have hampered his pre-season.  Many expect him to head off is a club is willing to pay his astronomical wages and bring in a forward who actually wants to lead the line and play off Soldado.

Andros Townsend has looked impressive when I’ve seen him. Is he now a starter for you ahead of the likes of Lennon?

Townsend has massive potential.  Unlike Lennon, he’s able to pick out a cross and put the ball onto the head/foot of a fellow Spurs player.  Many fans are excited about what he can potentially offer us on the right flank.

However with the abundance of midfielders we now have and depending on which formation AVB puts out, the ball is definitely in Townsend’s court in terms of making the position is own.

Which Arsenal players (if any) do you fear on Sunday?

Theo Walcott always seems to enjoy playing against us.  His pace is a constant threat, I love Michael Dawson but his lack of pace can be exposed – especially with AVB preferring to play a high defensive line.

Honest answer here. How many Arsenal players would get into the Tottenham first team for you?

Santi Carzola is a smashing player.  He has a bit of everything and can unlock a defence.  Something we have missed since Modric departed for Madrid – he would do well at the Lane.

Apart from that and my hate of Jack Wilshere, I cannot say I’d swap any of our players for yours.

Finally, can we have your prediction for the big one on Sunday?

It’s going to be a tough match for both sides, there’s huge expectation on both managers and neither side likes to lose this game.  I’m going go with a 1-1 draw, with us going ahead in the first half through Soldado.

As we all know, the North London derby matches are never boring.  May the team who wants it most, win. COYS.

Mean Lean’s Response

Thanks Neil, needless to say I hope that three juicy points are heading our way, I am feeling confident that we can do it also but it will be a tough game. You can read my views over on his site here