Marouane Chamakh is hoping to get the nod from Arsene Wenger for the Carling Cup clash at Spurs
"Boiling hot" North London derby holds no fear for Gunners forward
New Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh is desperate to play in his first North London derby this week and turn up the heat on Tottenham.
The Gunners make the short journey to White Hart Lane on Tuesday night for a mouthwatering Carling Cup third round clash between the fierce rivals.
Boss Arsene Wenger usually rests his first-team stars in the competition but, with forwards Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott all injured, Chamakh may step out into the expected cauldron of hate.
And the French-born Moroccan international, who has scored three goals since his summer switch from Bordeaux, is ready for the experience.
Willing
He said: "I have spoken to the French players here like Gael Clichy and they told me that the atmosphere against Tottenham is hot, very hot - in fact they say it's boiling!
"And in the absence of the other players, if the coach wants me to play I will do so willingly.
"I know the importance of the match against Tottenham. It is important for the players and for the supporters to win.
"I do not know yet if I am playing but if I am picked I am happy to do so.
"I understand that over the years the manager has picked young players for this competition but with the number of players we have injured maybe I will play."
Despite never having previously played in a derby of such intensity, Chamakh insists he can handle the electric atmosphere.
He said: "The nearest we had to a derby game when I was at Bordeaux was against Toulouse.
"It was also a big atmosphere when we played against Marseille.
"But they have told me that Arsenal and Tottenham is a huge game with a fantastic atmosphere. I love that kind of game."
