You’ve probably seen it already, but just in case, it’s worth the repetition. What’s the difference between the squirrel and Spurs? The squirrel has Champions League experience. Laugh while you have the chance, as by 3pm Saturday it might not all seem so funny – if as expected Arsene Wenger fields a weakened team for Highbury’s final north London derby. Hopefully, the only Arsenal loss of the day will be the much anticipated damage to the toilets in the visitors section, as our neighbours choose to give an early hand to the demolition process. However, by changing the side too much, Wenger risks losing points and control of Arsenal’s own destiny in the quest for fourth place.

Forget the dream scenario of eliminating Spurs from the Champions League 2006-07 by winning in Paris. A far more attainable reality is simply grabbing fourth spot in the Premiership, and the crucial match on which this all hangs kicks off at 12.45 tomorrow. My heart will sink if the following players do not start – Henry, Fabregas and Gilberto. All are critical if the three points are to be assured. The unavailability of Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole will not prevent some unsavoury chants from the away section, but hopefully it will all be meaningless to those actually wearing Arsenal shirts on the field of play.

Spurs under Martin Jol are determined, hungry, incisive and well capable of achieving at the very least a draw at Highbury if Arsenal’s eye is distracted by the trip to Spain next week. If Spurs are defeated, at least the Gunners can go to Villarreal knowing that their only likely chance of joining the usual suspects at Europe’s top table next season is not by reaching Paris and beating either Barca or Milan (and don’t rule out Shevcenko’s mob just yet).

The first leg of the Villarreal semi saw many hope that the tie could be killed at Highbury to provide a fitting conclusion to the large number of memorable European evenings the old stadium has hosted. Yet it was no surprise that it turned into an evening of nerves, tension and misplaced passes. Neither side was at their creative best, although the game could have turned into a more open one were the linesmen not so keen to raise offside flags – with the home side suffering the most. Still, swings and roundabouts. Henry’s disallowed goal traded for the penalty not given against Gilberto. My main hope for the second leg is that a strong referee is appointed. I think those that have handled Arsenal’s knockout matches so far have generally been of a high standard, so UEFA seem to be getting it right. Incidentally, your online editor is travelling to the area without a match ticket, hoping to pick one up out there (along with several thousand others by the sound of things!). If anyone has knowledge of a spare, by all means get in touch! I’m willing to go up to 150 euros to get into the game. I guess my admittance will depend on how badly the locals want to see the game!

By Wednesday next week, Arsenal’s final salute season could be shaping up to be something historic or we could all be feeling extremely flat. No predictions here. I just hope that Wenger picks a team against Spurs that will allow the squad to travel to Villarreal full of confidence. Over to you Arsene…