Zola never lost against Spurs while at Chelsea and has fond memories of a 6-1 win at White Hart Lane 11 years ago but something will have to give as Harry Redknapp has a 100% record when he has taken teams back to Upton Park.

Former Hammers boss Redknapp has overseen eight wins in 11 since taking charge of Spurs but Zola's men are on a three-match unbeaten run themselves and the Italian feels another victory will see them turn the corner.

"We are getting there," he said. "Monday is a vital game, this is very important for us, for the meaning for supporters and the players.

"Turning the corner might be after this match so we need to be focused and carry on doing what we are doing. I have a good record against Spurs and hopefully it will be the same on Monday.

"We will see, we are going through a good spell here and we are confident."

West Ham's recent run of results have been built on the foundations of three clean sheets - including the goalless draw at Liverpool - but he insists he has not abandoned his "philosophy" of entertainment.

"The way the defence were moving and working as a unit is impressive," he said. "Against Liverpool last week that was outstanding.

"But that does not change my philosophy. I know to make my philosophy work I have to see how the game is going. We were conceding too much and we tried to improve it from the back and make us better defensively.

"When that part of the game is working well we have to improve offensively. It's down to (assistant) Steve Clarke, certainly, and all the other staff. But it is not only about the defence. If you are not conceding goals it is because the whole team is defending better.

"Against Liverpool the midfield worked very hard: (Hayden) Mullins, (Scott) Parker and (Julien) Faubert were outstanding defensively. I like to share the credit with all the team."

Zola is confident goals will come soon, adding: "It's one step at a time. I'd love to have the team playing the way I want.

"I know we are not conceding as many goals, so now we'll be focused on scoring more. I know that and I'll work on that."

Zola knows how much the fixture means to fans, who see Spurs as their bitter enemy. It is uncertain whether Redknapp will receive a positive reception, despite his work in stabilising the club.

"He is a very good manager and he has proved that in many places," Zola said. "So far he has done the same with Tottenham.

"He has produced some very good results, some of them very unexpected. So a lot of credit to him but we are looking forward to stopping his run. We are very keen to do that.

"It's a big game for everyone and they (fans) are already up for. It's important to be focused and cool because your mind has to be clear if you want to win."