Slaven Bilic hopes to create another cherished derby memory when he takes on Tottenham for the first time as West Ham manager.
On his West Ham debut as an imposing centre-back, Bilic featured in a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane in 1996.
"It is a special game and it was special when I used to play for West Ham," Bilic said.
"My first game was Spurs away and we won 1-0 and Dani, the Portuguese player, scored.
"It's a special game, yes. It's a cliche that every game is for three points, but there are some games that are more special to the fans and they are derby games and this one is definitely one of them.
"Some are saying this is the game of the season for West Ham. I wouldn't say that, but it is a special game and you can that feel around the camp this week and we're looking forward to it, of course. We are waiting for it big time."
White Hart Lane has also proved a happy hunting ground of late, with a resounding 3-0 victory in 2013-14 almost followed up with another triumph last term before Harry Kane's stoppage-time penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw for the hosts.
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min returned to action for his national team South Korea after six weeks out with a foot injury and his comeback softens the blow of Erik Lamela's absence through suspension.
"I think everyone knows that Nabil got a bad tackle in the first minute of Algeria's game against Tanzania and he's not 100 per cent," Pochettino said.
"We need to be sure. He'll work hard to get back as soon as possible, but it's difficult for him on Sunday."
- The injured Dimitri Payet has been involved in 35 per cent of West Ham's Premier League goals this season - more than any other player at the club.
- West Ham have won four of their six Premier League away matches this season, having won only four of the previous 25.
- Three of Tottenham's last four goals against West Ham have been scored in the 90th minute.
- West Ham's start of 21 points from the opening 12 matches is their best in the Premier League era.
- Tottenham have lost two of their past 19 Premier League matches, with 11 wins and six draws during this period.
