Why we love...north London derbies

BBC Sport Online's Ian Hughes speaks to Tottenham fans Simon Mayo and Chas Hodges, and Arsenal nut 'Shovell' ahead of Saturday's north London derby.

The hype surrounding Saturday's match at White Hart Lane has been concentrated on one figure.

Controversially, Sol Campbell left the white side of town to join the red half last summer.

Top Italian and Spanish clubs chased the defender, but after a transfer saga that dragged on for months, Campbell defected to Spurs' bitter rivals - Arsenal.

Campbell's return to his former employers will not be an easy one. The bitterness felt by many Spurs' fans will be highly evident on Saturday afternoon.

I love Arsenal - if wasn't for them, Spurs would not be so good

Chas Hodges

BBC Radio Five Live DJ Simon Mayo feels it is "to be expected" that the fans will show their disapproval.

He said: "I still can't understand why, given the choice of some of the world's best clubs, he opted for Arsenal.

"That decision antagonised the fans, who expected loyalty from their captain.

"But I am sure he will be able to cope with the atmosphere at White Hart Lane.

"Whether he can cope at Arsenal, however, is another matter.

"He has not been too impressive for them, and I think Spurs have looked good without him."

The England international has played only half of the Gunners' matches this season because of injury.

Below-par performances on the field for his new club have also contributed to suggestions he is perhaps not the asset he once was.

Musician turned TV presenter 'Shovell' insists Campbell will come good.

The former N-People star admitted: "Sol knows what to expect from the fans. It will be horrendous for him.

'Shovell' thinks this game could be the making of Campbell

"I imagine the fans will react in a similar way to Barcelona supporters when Luis Figo returned to the Nou Camp after his transfer to Real Madrid.

"But he's a professional, and in a way it could be good for him.

"He has been playing with too much fear, but on Saturday he has nothing to lose.

"He is almost expected to fold under the pressure, but it could be his turning point.

"He has been trying too hard and, like Thierry Henry when he first arrived at Highbury, he just needs time to find his feet. I've no doubt he will."

Musician Chas Hodges of pub rockers Chas n' Dave, not surprisingly, disagrees.

"I think Ledley King is a much better defender," he said.

He has urged fans to "put Sol Campbell in the past" and get on with watching the game.

"I think the hatred is childish. I don't like the nasty side of the rivalry - it can get a bit spiteful.

"The only fans who will give him stick are making themselves look foolish," he said.

In recent years, the team from Highbury has enjoyed greater success, but with Glenn Hoddle in charge, Tottenham have enjoyed something of a resurgence.

As Mayo pointed out: "If Spurs win, they will go above Arsenal in the table.

"It will be extremely tough, but I think we have a half-decent team."

Campbell would be unwise to do this to the Spurs fans

According to Hodges, Arsenal could prove to be their own nemesis. He claimed: "I love Arsenal - if wasn't for them, Spurs would not be so good."

So good, in fact, they will win 1-0 if Hodges' prediction is correct.

'Shovell' is a bit nervous about the game, but hopes the Gunners can come away with the points.

"I think Spurs' have a good chance of getting a result, but I would never back against Arsenal," he said.

"My head tells me the game will end in a draw. But my heart says Arsenal to win 2-1."

Mayo is dreaming of a repeat of the result recorded in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final when Spurs were 3-1 winners.

"I remember when Gary Lineker scored the third, I turned to embrace the person next to me," he said.

"It happened to be Lineker's wife, Michelle. I thought that was quite fitting."