Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka believes there's no greater motivation to qualify for the Champions League than Tottenham chasing them for the coveted spot.
The Gunners are on course to finish fourth in the Premier League, sitting two points ahead of Tottenham in fifth heading into Sunday's game against Leeds at the Emirates. Spurs are also in action this weekend, taking on Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday evening.
Most pundits are backing Arsenal to open a five-point lead over Tottenham. Leeds are battling relegation and were hammered 4-1 at home by the Gunners earlier in the season, while Liverpool haven't lost in the league in 2022 - winning all but one of those games.
Yet it's too early to call which team will finish fourth. Tottenham host Arsenal on Thursday knowing a victory will give them a great chance of qualifying for the Champions League heading into the final two Premier League fixtures of the season.
Saka, however, is ready for the challenge and has sent Spurs a message. When asked if there's any better motivation than Tottenham chasing them for fourth, the England international told beIN Sports: "No, I don't think there can be anything better.
"That's a great question, actually. I don't think there can be anything that motivates us more. We're already motivated enough, but we obviously don't want to lose it to them. So it gives us that extra boost, but we know that we have to win all the games."
Which team will win the race for fourth? Let us know in the comments below!
After the North London derby, Arsenal travel to St James' Park to face Newcastle and host Everton at the Emirates - their final two fixtures. Tottenham, meanwhile, will welcome Burnley and take on already relegated Norwich at Carrow Road.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's games, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara backed Antonio Conte's side to get over the line. "I think Spurs are going to nick it," he told talkSPORT.
"We’ve got to get through Liverpool which is a tough fixture and I’ll be surprised if we get anything from that, but both Arsenal and Tottenham are where they are because they have inconsistent performances... we'll slip up and Arsenal will slip up.
"We’ve got the north London derby which will be the biggest north London derby in recent times and that is a huge, huge fixture. I just fancy us, under the lights with the players that we’ve got and the front three that we’ve got. If we step up I think we can turn them over, I really do.
"This is a young Arsenal side and credit to them, no one expected them to be where they are and it was a big performance against West Ham and they’re a good young team. But I think that Spurs have just got a little bit more experience than them and when the pressure’s on, we might just find a way to get it done."
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour disagreed with O'Hara, replying: "It's quite funny that you think Arsenal will crumble, Spurs do it every year! They call Spurs 'rhubarb' now because they crumble so much!"
