Peter Crouch believes victory over Arsenal will prove Tottenham have credentials for a top-four place in the Barclays Premier League.

England striker Crouch is in the frame to start at the Emirates Stadium, with Jermain Defoe suspended and Spurs desperate to stay in the Champions League spots.

"This is probably the best opportunity we've had of breaking into the top four," said Crouch.

"If you speak to anyone about the top four, we're always mentioned - and we deserve to be.

"Manchester United and Chelsea look the teams to beat this year - and clubs like Spurs, Aston Villa and Manchester City look very close to challenging and catching Arsenal and Liverpool.

"It would be a big blow to strike if we could beat them. They've always been finishing above us. But our squad is closer than ever to them, and we're certainly pushing them very hard.

"Arsenal are an established Champions League club, and that is where we should be. We have to prove that on the pitch this weekend."

Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon are also ruled out through injury. But while three of Harry Redknapp's key attackers are ruled out, Crouch views it as a chance to show the strength in depth the Spurs boss has.

"Look at the players who could come in," he told the Evening Standard.

"If Aaron is out, David Bentley - who is an England international - can step in, while Niko Kranjcar is there to replace Luka.

"We will miss those players. Jermain and Luka are two world-class players, but we have a lot of quality to replace them.

"Recent history shows Arsenal have been more successful than us in terms of winning trophies, but it's now time for us to show we can match what they've achieved."