Dundee manager Barry Smith believes his players can benefit from being pressure-free when they take on Motherwell.
The Dark Blues welcome the Steelmen to Dens Park on Sunday for a Scottish Cup fourth round clash that will be televised live.
Rather than carrying extra tension that could come with appearing before a nationwide audience, Smith believes his players will relish being freed, albeit temporarily, from the stresses of the league.
“We are facing a team from a higher division so I don’t think there is any pressure on the lads at all.”
He added, “This is not the league, where we are fighting for every point, so they can go out, relax and play.”
Smith watched Well draw with Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton on Saturday.
He was impressed, despite new boss Stuart McCall failing to get off to a winning start.
“I saw Motherwell at the weekend and they do pass the ball very well and I don’t think Stuart will change all that much.
“They have several good players and will be tough, tough opposition,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dens midfielder Gary Harkins has told star striker Leigh Griffiths there is no extra pressure on him to deliver on Sunday.
“It is a showcase occasion for the wee man on Sunday but that doesn’t mean that we expect any more from him,” said Harkins.
“Leigh has been on a fine run of form which we obviously hope he continues, but it is not just down to him.
“He has the talent to play at the top level, and if it means the club survive by selling him in January, then the most important thing is for Dundee to survive.
“Knowing Leigh, he will just keep his head down and concentrate on trying to get the right result for the team as usual.
“I think one day he will move on to bigger things, but until such time we are just delighted to have him here and it is certainly not right to place too much expectation on his shoulders.”