Tim Sherwood wants a “blood and thunder” north London derby this afternoon at White Hart Lane today.

The Tottenham manager has called on his players to knock their rivals off their stride with a powerful approach to the game as Spurs look to close the gap on Arsenal, with the Gunners currently six points ahead of Sherwood’s side.

"I don't think there is much blood and thunder these days - I want it to be more of that," Sherwood said to the BBC.

"I think that gives us the edge. We are more functional than they are."

"But if they get into their stride we know they can be very dangerous, so we need to knock them off their stride."

Sherwood words come shortly after he spoke openly last weekend about the lack of character in his side following their 4-0 defeat away to Chelsea, saying his players were “lacking guts and character.”

"These are great games, big games. You always wanted to be part of it as a player.

"You always wanted to play Arsenal every week, not that the results were that great but the occasion was fantastic. I am relishing it.

"It is my first time as a manager at the Lane, to be standing opposite Arsene Wenger, and hopefully I will get one over on them,” Sherwood said.