Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that playing Tottenham is one of the highlights of his season ahead of the clash between the sides.
Ferguson also stressed the significance of the match at White Hart Lane, which will see the return of Wayne Rooney following a throat infection.
The striker has missed United's last two games as well as England's 3-2 friendly defeat to Holland on Wednesday night.
"It is a very important game for us because it is our hardest away game, there is no doubt about that," said Ferguson. "Playing Tottenham is always a tremendous highlight of the season."
The United boss believes Spurs' refusal to let midfielder Luka Modric join London rivals Chelsea last summer has been pivotal to their success this season.
"The fact they decided to hold on to Modric against what everyone thought was a big Chelsea bid swung the players around," he said.
"That was an indication that they mean business and it has worked because they have had a great season. Up until three weeks ago they were playing the best football in the league."
