Stirling University shock troops are gearing up for a Scottish Cup giant-killing raid on Tannadice tomorrow.
The students became the first uni team to reach the fourth round in more than 50 years after a hard-fought extra-time 1-0 win over Albion Rovers back in November.
That earned them the glamour tie against Dundee United.
And they aim to make it tough for their Premiership opponents who have former Scotland star Steven Fletcher leading their attack.
Uni stars are on an adrenaline rush after securing their third-straight BUCS Premier North title with a comeback from two goals down at Durham.
Meanwhile, the Terrors did not enjoy ideal preparation after travelling down to Livingston on Wednesday night – only for the Almondvale pitch to fail a last-minute inspection in the freezing temperatures.
But despite that, United – who sit 10th in the top division – will still be overwhelming favourites against their Lowland League opposition.
Stirling University boss Chris Geddes admits the experience will be huge for the club but is determined for his young side to put on a good show.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Forums Podcast, Geddes said: “It’s what we wanted from the draw .
“If you don’t get Rangers or Celtic then you want a Premiership club and we got one steeped in tradition and history which is really good as well.
“It’s going to be a great day and a good achievement for us but we’re going there to win. We will have to do it in such a way that we respect them and respect the levels but we want to have a go at them as well because otherwise, what’s the point?
“Anything can happen on the day, but you do probably need a bit of luck, for them to maybe miss a few chances.
“They could have had VAR but they said no, probably because they didn’t want to give us any opportunity to maybe sneak something. There is a part of us that wants to play our own way and the way which has made us successful this year.
“But we’re not stupid and we realise who we are playing.
“So we might have to tinker with that but it’s a difficult one because you can sit in and wait for these teams to break you down and then you’re 3-0 down at half time.”
The Students are set to take around 1000 fans, with a fleet of free buses being laid on by the university.
The squad have also been boosted by a series of good luck messages from big football figures including Sir Alex Ferguson, World Cup winner Lilian Thuram and ex-Scotland boss Craig Brown.
Geddes added: “It’s hard enough to score one goal, but trying to score two or three against a Premier League team is probably not going to happen.
“It’s an exciting day and I’ve never been there before so even for myself, it’s going to be good.”
Kick off is set for 3pm.
