Tottenham Hotspur host Arsenal at the White Hart Lane on Saturday in a fight for the fourth place in the league.
The North-London derby to be played on Saturday promises to be one of the most exciting derbies of the season. Long-time rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal go head-to-head in a bid to get themselves closer to the fourth spot and achieve Champions League qualification.
Pochettinoa s team are only two points adrift the fourth place currently occupied by Southampton while Arsenal are level on points with the Saints. A win will give Tottenham a chance to climb the table and go ahead of Arsenal while a defeat will mean that Arsenal will get a temporary lead over Southampton who face later on Saturday.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino spoke to the press about the importance of Saturdaya s game.
a Ita s a huge game, an important game for us and our supporters,a said Pochettino.
Tottenham, who have lost just one of their last nine fixtures in the Premier League, seem to be a confident side as the manager feels the home side are ready to face Arsenal who have won five of their last six league games.
a We arrive at the game in a good moment,a added Pochettino. a We are only two points behind Arsenal and this is a real derby, a special game. Wea re ready, concentrated and focused for Saturday.
a Arsenal are a very good team, we recognise that. We go into Saturday with full respect but we will try to get the victory.a
Pochettino, who has played in various derbies throughout his career including Newella s Old Boys against Rosario Central back in Argentina and Argentina against Brazil at the international level, spoke about his experiences playing in a derby game.
a Newell’s Old Boys against Rosario Central was always a very tough game, very difficult, but I enjoy this type of game,a he added. a We need our players to feel the same, to enjoy and try to get the victory.
a Football is emotion and this type of game you need to play always with your head and your brain but also with your heart. Ita s emotional, a special game for our supporters.a
The game between the two rivals will be played early on Saturday. The fixture will prove to be a very important one for both the London-based clubs as both Tottenham and Arsenal are fighting for Champions League qualification.