Winks claims Tottenham are full of confidence ahead of north London derby

Harry Winks believes Sunday's north London derby has come at a 'perfect' time for Tottenham.

Spurs head to the Emirates Stadium on the back of a 3-1 demolition of Chelsea in the Premier League and an important 1-0 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Wednesday.

That success in Europe keeps their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive, although they have to go to Barcelona in a fortnight's time and match the result of Inter, who hostPSV Eindhoven.

Before that there is the small matter of a clash with their biggest rivals to contend with and, with six successive victories in the bank in all competitions, Winks is feeling confident.

'It is going to be another difficult game, so we have to get right and physically prepared for it, because it is going to be another battle,' the England international said.

'It is a game the fans want to win and one that we want to win. Three games in a week is going to be tough, but confidence is high.

'Of course they are beatable. The form we are in right now, it is probably the perfect time to go there. It is going to be a good game.'

For Spurs to take their Champions League hopes to the final game is an impressive achievement after a horrible start to their Group B campaign, where they had just a point at the halfway stage.

Winks, though, believes to be still in contention is testament to their character and says the team will travel to the Nou Camp on December 11 full of confidence.

'We started off quiet rocky in the group stage this season with a couple of poor results,' Winks conceded. 'But if we can get though it shows how mentally strong we are to come back from setbacks.

'We never go into any game hoping to draw, we go into every game trying to dominate.

'It is going to be a very difficult game going away to Barcelona, probably one of the most in-form teams in Europe right now.

'It is going to be a real challenge, but we showed in parts against Barcelona at home that we can match them and be just as good as them.

'If we go there with that mentality and mindset there is no reason why we cannot win.'

With Spurs in the midst of a congested fixture list, the return of defender Jan Vertonghen after missing the last 10 games is timely.

The Belgium defender, who could have capped his comeback with a goal against Inter, is one Spurs player who does not mind their congested fixture list.

'When you are injured you realise how blessed you are when you are fit and I prefer it this way than to be sitting on the touchline for a couple of weeks,' he said.

'I am looking forward to the time which is coming. We always do well in December and hopefully we can keep it going.'