Initial sceptism regarding the appointment of Igor Tudor as interim manager is starting to dissipate, and the Croatian has the chance to quickly galvanise the Tottenham fanbase on Sunday afternoon.
It's quite the game to walk into, with Tudor, who rocked up at Hotspur Way on Monday, taking charge of his first North London Derby to get things underway in N17. The 47-year-old's been tasked with keeping Tottenham in the division, but Spurs can also derail their fiercest rivals' floundering title charge this weekend.
Arsenal's malaise has created an unfair sense of expectation for the home side on Sunday, with Tottenham's injury crisis seemingly swept under the carpet. Despite the arrival of a fresh face in the dugout, there have been no miracles worked in terms of player healing. Tudor is without a long list of stars for the derby.
Here's how Tottenham could line up on Tudor's managerial bow in the North London Derby.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—In time, there may be a change between the posts. However, I don't see Tudor going bold with his goalkeeper selection on Sunday.
João Palhinha (CB)—Absences in defence mean Palhinha is likely to drop into the back three, as he did at times towards the end of Thomas Frank's reign.
Radu Drăgușin (CB)—Playing at the heart of a back three is perhaps the 'easiest' role in the sport, so we can only hope that Drăgușin's flaws are masked in this system.
Micky van de Ven (CB)—Tudor didn't name his captain in Cristian Romero's absence, but Van de Ven is likely to don the armband on Sunday. Spurs need a mammoth performance from the Dutchman.
Wing-Backs & Midfielders
Archie Gray (RWB)—I think you've got to find a way of getting Gray in the team, and while a wing-back role isn't ideal for the Englishman, he supplies technical security in wide areas and is able to get up and down.
Pape Matar Sarr (CM)—Tudor's options are limited in midfield, but he does have a couple of players available that should suit him down to the ground. Whether they can work harmoniously as a tandem is another matter.
Conor Gallagher (CM)—Run, run, and run some more this weekend, Conor. Tudor's going to get this team working ever so hard out of possession, and Gallagher has a big role to play in setting the tone.
Djed Spence (LWB)—João Souza made his Premier League bow at Old Trafford and is an option for the derby, but I think Tudor plays it somewhat safe and opts for Spence's defensive security and standout athleticism.
Forwards
Xavi Simons (AM)—With two work-horses occupying the pivot, there's a great onus places on Xavi as Tottenham's chief creator. He came off the bench in the reverse fixture amid a tricky acclimatisation period, but the Dutchman found his groove towards the end of Frank's miserable reign.
Randal Kolo Muani (ST)—The Frenchman enjoyed his time under Tudor at Juventus last season, and we can only hope that the return of a familiar face ignites a fire within the talented Kolo Muani.
Dominic Solanke (ST)—A sore throat has disrupted his preparation for the derby, but Solanke's going to start. I like the idea of the Englishman working in tandem with Kolo Muani as a strike partnership.