TIME TO SHOW I'M THE DADDY

Arteta's bid for title continues against 'father figure' Mauricio

- John Cross

MIKEL ARTETA will face the managerial rival he regards as a "father figure" and one of the biggest influences of his career.

Chelsea Arteta goes head-to-head with counterpart Mauricio Pochettino at the Emirates tonight with more than 23 years of respect built up between them.

Gunners manager Arteta, 42, met Pochettino in 2001 during a loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where the former Argentina defender was a senior player.

Pochettino, now 52, took Arteta under his wing and the Arsenal manager has regularly turned to his former team-mate for throughout his career.

Arteta faces his mentor tonight needing a win to boost Arsenal's Premier League title bid, while Pochettino tries to end a difficult season with Chelsea on a high.