The 34-year-old Portuguese is gradually rebuilding his reputation at Spurs after enduring a traumatic nine-month spell that lasted for just 27 league matches at Stamford Bridge before his dismissal in March.
The London derby is the oustanding game of the weekend and offers him the chance of some personal revenge with extra spice added to the mix.
Chelsea finished sixth last season, two places behind Spurs, but they took Spurs' place in the Champions League after winning the final itself in Munich, consigning Spurs to the Europa League despite finishing in the top four.
Chelsea became European champions under Roberto Di Matteo who went to Chelsea as Villas-Boas's deputy in the summer of 2011 and took over as boss when he left.
If Spurs were to halt Chelsea's progress, Manchester United, champions Manchester City and Everton would all be looking to capitalise.
Their last victory came two weeks ago before the international break when they beat Aston Villa 2-0 at home, a result that delighted "AVB".
"This gives us the opportunity to play the league leaders at home, undefeated for a while and with a good chance to go nearer the top," Villas-Boas said.
"It is obviously going to be a difficult game but we are showing a good level of competence."
"They have a lot of very young, dynamic players but so do we, and we are playing very well right now. This is a very good moment for us to play them."
