Eric Dier says in-form Christian Eriksen can be crucial for Tottenham when they head to Arsenal for the eagerly-awaited North London derby on Saturday.

Spurs have enjoyed an impressive start to the season, particularly on their travels, and head into Saturday’s early Premier League kick off in third spot in the table.

Spurs are 2.88 to claim all three points, a draw is 3.40 and Arsenal can be backed at 2.40.

Arsenal are sixth and four points adrift of their local rivals but they do boast a 100 per cent record at home after five games.

The Gunners have won their last 10 successive games at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League, taking last season into account, but Dier is confident his side can claim the bragging rights.

Dier expects a tough battle this weekend but the England international feels Eriksen can play a key role after his exploits over the international break.

The midfield playmaker hit a hat-trick for Denmark in their 5-1 win over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin to secure a World Cup 2018 spot for his country, and Dier hopes he can produce a similar performance when the domestic campaign resumes.

“It’s great for Tottenham that Eriksen’s continuing to excel,” he told Sky Sports.

“We’re seeing the best Christian Eriksen we’ve ever seen at the moment. Hopefully he can keep going.”

On how Spurs will approach the game, Dier said: “The mentality going into it is to win. Simple really.”

Eriksen is 10.00 to score first or 3.60 to score at anytime.