Mauricio's five-point preview - Arsenal

We'll preview every match in five points with Mauricio Pochettino this season. Next up, the big one - derby day at the Emirates is just around the corner... Sunday, 4.30pm, Emirates Stadium.

1 - Champions League draw

What do you think of our Champions League draw? Bayern Munich, Olympiacos (Greece) and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)?
Mauricio: “I am very positive, so excited. I think the group is going to be tough but in the same way, in the Champions League, all the opponents are very good. It will be difficult but I’m so excited and so motivated for the start of the Champions League. It’s an amazing opportunity for us and I hope we have a fantastic Champions League - hopefully better than last season.”

2 - This week

A lot was said after last week’s loss against Newcastle, how have the players reacted this week?
Mauricio: “The reaction has been good. The commitment of the players is always there. It’s been a very good week, talking, training. Everything was positive in the way we’ve prepared for the game and now we need to deliver on Sunday."

3 - Team news

Kyle Walker-Peters is sidelined with a hamstring injury, Eric Dier and Juan Foyth are ruled out alongside Tanguy Ndombele. Dele may return from injury...
Mauricio: “No issue. We are going to play with 11 players. I am so optimistic that the player who plays in each position is going to perform in the best way. I believe in the group, I believe in the way we work and of course, all coaches and managers want their players fit to be right in their selection, but we know very well, in football, things can happen like they did last week. We are ready to find the solution and try to perform, so no excuses. Dele was injured in the Audi Cup. We will assess him on Saturday. He’s doing well. He may be involved in the squad.”

4 - Arsenal

What are you expecting from Arsenal on Sunday?
Mauricio: “It’s only the beginning of the season. It’s difficult to judge. After a few months, we’ll have a clearer idea. It will be tough because it’s a derby and we all know very well what a derby means. We need to be ready to fight.”

5 - Derby day

What are you like when you wake up on derby day?
Mauricio: “The atmosphere, the smell, from both sides, the responsibility of what it means to play in this game. I love to fight, love to compete. I’m always optimistic, believing the team will perform better than our sporting enemy.”