Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says any taunts from Arsenal fans today will only fire up teammate Emmanuel Adebayor.

The 29-year-old striker understands why fans react as they do but believes it can do more harm than good for the team they follow.

"When I went back to West Ham, I always knew what was going to happen and it gives you more fire in your belly," Defoe told the London Evening Standard.

"I've spoken to Ade and he's looking forward to it. He's a strong character and he'll be up for the game.

"The player has to respect the club and the club has to respect the player. When Ade was at Arsenal, the fans loved him. Now he's not and they're giving him stick.

"I wish I could change the way things are but it's part of the game.

"You have to accept it. If you leave a club and the fans don't want you to leave, you will get stick regardless of who you are, and Ade knows that. You have to be a strong character, though, and that is what he is."