The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is one of the most eagerly-awaited events in the calendars of both sets of fans. The two clubs have faced one another in top-flight football 156 times since the 1900s, and each hotly-contested derby is accompanied by a crackling atmosphere throughout this populous corner of the city as Londoners exchange taunts, quips and largely good-natured banter about their predictions for the match.

The 156 clashes to date have produced 66 Arsenal wins, 49 Tottenham victories and 41 draws, and plenty of memorable moments. Who can forget the nine-goal thriller at White Hart Lane in 2004 – Noureddine Naybet opened the scoring for Spurs late in the first half, and despite his teammates Defoe, Ledley King and Kanoute joining him on the scoresheet they were at last out-Gunned with the match finishing 4-5 to Arsenal.

In 2006, the last derby ever to be hosted by Arsenal at the old Highbury ground was, again, full of excitement and controversy. Spurs were dominant, but when Robbie Keane capitalised by tapping in a brilliant cross from Edgar Davids in the second half, Gunners players complained that he should have stopped play because Emmanuel Eboue had been injured in a collision with teammate Gilberto. Managers Arsène Wenger and Martin Jol almost came to blows on the touchline over the incident and had to be kept apart by the fourth official, while Davids was eventually sent off and Thierry Henry saved face for his side with a typically stylish goal in the 84th minute leaving the teams with a point apiece.

The next derby will fall just before Christmas, on 22 December 2007, at Arsenal’s huge new Emirates stadium which is regularly filled to almost its capacity of 60, 432. It’s set to be a cracking game as the home side will want to defend their place at, or near, the top of the table and please fans with the stylish, flowing football that has become their trademark. They are having a brilliant season so far, shaking off concerns about how they would fare after the departure of the legendary Henry along with Freddy Ljungberg, Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell, to become unbeaten in all League and Champions League games as of mid-November.

The story at Tottenham couldn’t be more different – after a promising pre-season and transfers leaving Martin Jol apparently spoilt for choice with four world-class strikers, it’s been a shocking start with pitiful results plunging Spurs into the relegation zone in October and off-pitch drama leading the popular Jol to leave the club amid accusations and ugly rumours surfacing during an uninspiring UEFA cup match. Under new manager Juande Ramos, previously of Sevilla, Tottenham have started to find their feet, maintaining clean sheets in wins against Blackpool, Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Wigan.

But it remains to be seen how the struggling Spurs will fare against the really big boys of the Premier League and in the derby they’ll be looking to continue their sharp ascent of the table and show what they’re made of.

It’s definitely going to be one to watch and as a Saturday afternoon fixture (3pm) a few warming beverages will surely be called for afterwards. For travelling fans, the Emirates is easily accessible by train and Tube and there is a good selection of hotels in Kings Cross nearby so that the big match can be transformed into a Christmas city break – the centre of London’s not exactly short on attractive destinations for non-fanatical family members, too.

There are not many football grounds that are as easy and as accessible as the Emirates Stadium, especially if you want to have fun and a couple of pints. Visitors should not drive to Arsenal games as there is no parking and roads around the stadium are closed. However, this is good news as it allows you to use public transport and enjoy your time without the worries of a drive home. If you decide it is necessary to drive you may want to park on the edge of London and complete your journey by public transport. The ground itself is served by three tube stations: Highbury and Islington (Victoria Line), Arsenal (Piccadilly Line) and Finsbury Park (Victoria and Piccadilly lines). Unfortunately nearby Holloway Road station is closed on match days as it does not have an escalator.

Many people want to find Hotels near Emirates Stadium, however, it is not recommended staying too near the ground, as there is very little to do. Islington’s trendy Upper Street is a far more suitable place to stay as it is packed with bars and restaurants and has many hotels nearby including the Hilton on Upper Street and Jury’s Inn on Pentonville Road (book cheap match day hotels at the www.matchotels.com website).

The other option is to find Hotels in Central London, the Emirates stadium is a short tube journey from Central London and the West End and can be easily reached on either the Victoria or Piccadilly lines after the game. Fans who wish to stay more centrally have many options. London’s West End has a fantastic nightlife and offers a wide range of accommodation from the famous Ritz hotel on Piccadilly down to the lesser known Classic hotel near Hyde Park. Also London’s South Bank offers galleries and riverside accommodation; or try Paddington for cheap London hotels.

Once at the stadium you may want to eat, there are many fast food facilities around the stadium with a variety of options, ranging from your typical hot dog stand to a Crepe stall. Inside the Emirates stadium the food is pricey but does cover a wide range of products, again though it is advised to eat outside the stadium due to the high prices.

An enjoyable part of the day is having a couple of pints in the pub and there are many bars around the stadium to choose from with the Drayton Arms next to Drayton Park Station being the traditional away supporter’s pub. It is also possible to drink inside the stadium where it is only £2.50 for a pint of lager before and after the match (£3.20 at half time). Tea and coffee will cost you £1.70 and a soft drink £2.00.

If you would like buy a programme or a fanzine you can get them outside Emirates stadium and an official programme cost £3, The Gooner fanzine is £2 and Up The Arse fanzine is £1.

AFTER THE MATCH if you would like to find a place for Eating/Drinking, there are literally hundreds of places to choose from around London’s West End. However if you wish to wine and dine closer to the stadium, take a walk to nearby Upper Street (Highbury and Islington station). Here you will find many bars and restaurants ideal for a night out.

If you are looking for Entertainment, again the West End is an option as it is inundated with bars, pubs, cinemas and nightclubs. Madame Tussauds and the London Eye are top London tourist attractions as are Big Ben, Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

If Central London is not your scene then Walthamstow Dog Track is an enjoyable evening that is not too far from Emirates Stadium and can be easily reached by public transport.

To find more information about the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal Hotels visit http://www.matchhotels.com/football/England/Arsenal-hotels-1697.html.