Arsenal legend Robert Pires feels self-belief will be key if his old team is to beat Tottenham today.

French winger Pires became the scourge of Spurs during his Arsenal career, scoring eight times against the old enemy - including three winners and two equalisers at White Hart Lane.

"I have big memories of the north London derby," said Pires, who was at the Emirates for Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos in midweek.

"Against Spurs, it is always a special game. It has particular meaning for the fans, and as players you always understand that.

"If you have the chance to score against them, it feels great, because it means so much to the Arsenal fans.

"Confidence is vital. This is a complicated game and for the team to have won in the build-up is important."