Gareth Bale believes that Tottenham Hotspur are the favourites to finish above Arsenal and have the character to do so this season.

Spurs travel to the Emirates on Sunday for the North London derby and are hoping to complete their first league double over the Gunners in 19 years.

The 22-year-old winger claimed that his side's impressive displays warrant their position of third place in the league so far.

"Over the years Arsenal have been the favourites and they've been above us in the league but now the tide has turned in our favour," Bale told Spurs' official website.

"We are playing some great stuff and I think we deserve to be where we are in the league and we deserve the favourites' tag."

Spurs are currently ten points clear of Arsenal ahead of their clash on Sunday.