Anticipation ahead of the derby sell-out v Spurs is sky high with Danny's incendiary remarks still making smoke. Time to let our football do the talking and send Spurs packing with a solid performance.

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In no sense do I underestimate the quality of Saturday's opponents. We couldn't beat them in four attempts last season and Spurs are much improved from the joke side they had become two years ago, when we took four points from them in the league. We had the better of both home encounters last season but couldn't find a finish, while on a bitter January night at the Lane we were punchless, injury weakened and victims of bad luck in conceding two poor goals. The cup replay was bizarre - at HT I was convinced we were en route for Wembley at 1-0 up. Harry's subs punctured our balloon in short order after the break.

Are Spurs going to have one eye on their Champions League trip to Milan next week? Surely yes. While we lament the absence of BZ the Spuds also have a raft of big players unavailable. No hint as to our starting line-up, but no significant injuries reported from the returning internationals. Duff and Etuhu are ruled out however, but having Dembele start would be a big boost, he may need a late fitness test. AJ on the bench is distinctly possible. Clint's been in fine form recently.

We're still short of being the finished article under Hughes. He's done well to keep us unbeaten to date, but the inability to turn draws into wins is becoming a mite worrying. The players however say they are all going in the same direction, and we assume the side gets stronger week by week under our new regime.

How do we keep Spurs in their place and continue the winless run at the Cottage? Five wins and three draws in our favour since 2002, although the bookies all fancy the draw. We must not let Huddlestone dictate the midfield, we must get penetration down the flanks, we need to eliminate soft goals being conceded from the back four and whoever keeps goal on Saturday.

Mike Dean please note we are long overdue a penalty, one of just six clubs remaining without an award to date this campaign.

It's a derby for heaven's sake, we're all champing at the bit after the break. We need some of the bulldog spirit shown against United - but no leg-breaking challenges please - we're attracting enough flak as it is. Let's treat this one like a cup-tie, and if you're lucky enough to have a ticket, make some noise!

COYW

London's oldest professional football club, Fulham FC

Twitter @fulhamphil