Arbroath boss Allan Moore has revealed that his side will throw caution to the wind this afternoon and have a right go at causing a Scottish Cup shock.
The League Two leaders have not been in tip-top form ahead of their trip to the capital to face Hibs, but Moore is unlikely to tinker too much with a team that has gained plaudits for their attacking style of play so far this term.
The Gayfield boss knows exactly what it takes to mastermind cup upsets, having been in charge of the Morton side that knocked the mighty Celtic out of the League Cup at Parkhead last season.
But while that squad was set up to successfully hit the Hoops on the break, Moore has suggested that his Lichties line-up will go about today’s tie against Hibs a lot differently.
“When I took Morton to Celtic Park I only played with one striker and looked to allow them to have plenty of possession,” he explained.
“We looked to have a solid barrier across the back and catch them on the break.
“It worked as we beat them 1-0 but I am honest enough to admit that we did ride our luck that night.
“We hardly kicked the ball but we got through.
“Some people may think I would be tempted to go with the same tactical approach at Hibs but I want Arbroath to play their normal game.
“If we go with only the one up front we may not get out of our own half so we will go and enjoy it and, who knows, if we play to our strengths we could cause a shock.
“Sometimes against top sides you get more time on the ball and if that happens at Hibs we will enjoy that.
“If Hibs are on top form they should win the tie but it is the Scottish Cup and who knows what will happen?”
Arbroath have certainly earned their spot in the fifth round, having seen off Montrose at the second attempt in round two, Nairn County in the third round and then Bo’ness United 5-0 in the fourth round to reach this stage.
And while Alan Stubbs’ high-flying Championship side will still be firm favourites to reach the quarter-finals, Moore hopes his players will relish their tag as underdogs.
He added: “Arbroath are a very strong side middle to front and we will look to use that in this game.
“No-one expects us to do anything but we will go to Hibs and have a go.”
On-loan duo Ryan McGeever and Thomas Grant are cup-tied after being on the bench for Falkirk against Cowdenbeath in the previous round, with Moore also denied the services of the injured Kevin Nicoll, Scott McBride and Craig Johnstone.
Dylan Carreiro has returned to the club for a second loan spell from Dundee, although he may have to be content with a place on the bench.