Arsene Wenger's side were the main beneficiaries of last weekend's wobbles by leaders Chelsea and fellow challengers Manchester United and Manchester City in a season that is becoming more unpredictable by the week.
Sitting two points behind Chelsea on 26, Arsenal could leapfrog them if they beat Spurs before Carlo Ancelotti's team's later kick-off at Birmingham City but may end up just keeping the seat warm for the champions.
Arsenal have already thumped their arch rivals 4-1 this season in the third round of the League Cup and have lost just once in the league to them in 11 years - April's 2-1 defeat.
Adding to defender Gallas's valuable insider knowledge, Spurs also have a dangerous attacking weapon ready to use earlier than expected in Jermain Defoe.
If he fails to make it Peter Crouch is on hand and will hope to continue his scoring run having netted in Spurs' 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers last week and England's 2-1 defeat to France on Wednesday.
Another England striker who could be back in action this weekend is Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who has returned from a week of intensive training in the United States after an ankle injury that has dogged him for much of the season.
"A fit Rooney is one of the best players in the world," said defender Rio Ferdinand. "He has gone away and worked really hard physically. We all hope he comes back in great shape and ready to play for Manchester United and England in the future."
Chelsea will be looking to make amends for last Sunday's shock 3-0 drubbing by Sunderland at Stamford Bridge when they travel to Birmingham, who pulled off one of the other surprises of last weekend when they held Manchester City 0-0 at Eastlands.
