Our Tottenham Hotspur fans here in the Transfer Tavern are getting very excited about this week’s North London Derby.

This match between the pair could be season defining for either as the quest for Champions League football continues into the latter stages of the season. Arsenal currently trail Spurs by four points and many of the regulars feel that a win for the home side, would see that gap move to seven and possibly out of reach for their local rivals.

With the last gasp equalizer against Liverpool, Tottenham made sure the distance between them and the top four didn’t widen further. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping for a more convincing display and win this time around. This fixture completes a tough couple of week for our Spurs fans in the bar who have seen their side take on three out of the top six clubs home and away.

Indeed, lose this, and the momentum recent results have created will be wrecked, potentially ruining their chances of a top four finish, as well as a confidence knock before their huge game with Juventus in the Champions League.

If Pochettino is to come away with the three points, he will need everyone singing from the same hymn sheets and, in particular, these two players, will need a very big game…

Eric Dier

Spurs’ defensive midfielder had a bit of a nightmare game against Liverpool, according to the locals who watched in the back room at weekend, with the England international accidentally setting up Mo Salah for the opener at Anfield. With Arsenal’s all-out attacking front with the new acquisitions in the January window, Spurs need Dier to up his game and break down the play to frustrate the Gunners.

A strong display from the England man can be the tipping point in the match and one that Spurs need to desperately win. Needs to get his foot on the ball far more often in an attempt to dictate the game.

Harry Kane

Spurs need their main man to show up on Saturday, there’s simply no doubt about it. Harry Kane was lucky to get a second penalty opportunity in the Liverpool match, which he took with aplomb, finally breaking into the Premier League 100 club after a few barren games.

However, in a game of the importance of this London Derby, Kane cannot afford to pass up on any opportunities given in what should be a very tight match. He’s been one of the main reasons Spurs have been so successful in recent seasons and the England mand has to continue this going forward, in the biggest game of the campaign for supporters.