Tottenham trip 'perfect' for West Ham, says Mauro Zarate

Friday 20 November 2015 13:32, UK

Mauro Zarate believes West Ham's trip to Tottenham is the perfect game for them given their record this season in derbies and away games.

Slaven Bilic's team have taken 13 points from a possible 18 on their travels this season and only Arsenal have a better record in the road.

West Ham have already won in north London at Arsenal, while they have also picked up victories at Manchester City, Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

West Ham's next challenge is at White Hart Lane, live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday, and it represents is a tough one as they face a Tottenham team who have not lost in the league since the opening day at Manchester United.

But with a 100% record in London derbies this season Zarate is optimistic about the Hammers chance and thinks all the ingredients are in place for Bilic's squad to have another memorable afternoon.

"We need to win again and this is a perfect match for us because it's a derby and it's away," he told club's website.

"Obviously I know - we all know - how important this is to the fans. They always want us to win against Tottenham and we will do our best to win the match."

Dimitri Payet has challenged his West Ham team-mates to keep laying the foundations for potential European qualification while he is out injured.

The former Marseille midfielder, 28, has been ruled out for three months because of an ankle problem but does not require surgery.

"I am very confident that the team can do well without me. It would be fantastic if we could qualify for Europe next season," said Payet.

"The season is very long and we have many games coming up in a short space of time which could be crucial. I hope to come back with the team still on track to achieve something really special."