Wigan defender Leighton Baines is tipping Tottenham to snatch the prized fourth Champions League spot from bitter north London rivals Arsenal.

After years of underachievement, Spurs are finally starting to punch their weight again and will hit the Gunners firmly below the belt if they can maintain their current spot in the Premiership.

The challenge to Tottenham does not just come from the capital, though.

Four other clubs are within six points of Martin Jol's side - including Wigan, who will trim the deficit to just three if they can emerge victorious in their re-arranged league encounter on Sunday.

But for all the massive strides made at the JJB Stadium this term, it has not gone unnoticed that Tottenham are marching forward too.

Baines believes Jol will eventually get his just reward, not only for turning round his club's fortunes but doing so with a bedrock of mainly English players.

"Tottenham have moved forward in leaps and bounds over the last 18 months," said Baines.

"You can only admire what they are doing at the moment, and they must be regarded as favourites for the fourth Champions League spot.

"It is good to see a team of largely English players doing well.

"I know lads like Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon from the England Under-21s - and they do have a good spirit down there.

"It is not a problem when you have foreign players coming in. But it is sometimes easier with English lads, because you know where they are from and what their culture and background is."

The Latics do not head south in the best of form, having collected just one win from their last seven Premiership outings.

It represents their worst run of form since they made such a startling entrance to the top flight in August and leaves manager Paul Jewell needing to halt the slide if Wigan are not to fall firmly into mid-table.

But with places up for grabs in next Sunday's Carling Cup Final, there is no shortage of incentive for Jewell's men - and star striker Henri Camara will need to put in an effective performance following his controversial no-show for last week's defeat at Liverpool.