Hibernians will be taking no chances today when they play FK Mogren in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League at the Centenary Stadium.
The Malta champions come into this match on a high following last week's fine showing in the pre-season Euro Cup. The Paolites topped the four-team competition on goal difference from Sliema Wanderers after both teams had finished with seven points from three matches.
However, this evening's encounter against the Montenegro champions will be a different prospect for Hibs. They know they will have to avoid an upset at home to stay in contention ahead of next week's second leg tie at the Lugovi Stadium in Budva.
Coach Mark Miller has a clear idea of his team's approach today.
"My experience with the U-21 national team has taught me that you always have to prepare for matches against foreign teams with a certain amount of caution," Miller told The Times yesterday.
"For us, matches from UEFA competitions are difficult as our opponents are always seeded teams. The Euro Cup was an ideal early-season test for my players but we know that against Mogren we will need to take our game to a higher level.
"Our physical preparation is OK though and some of our players confirmed that they can play different roles and that is very important when facing foreign teams. We have to adopt the right mentality now. If we are strong, psychologically, then we can aspire for a satisfactory result."
Miller has an almost full compliment as Bulgarian midfielder Rumen Galabov is the only player out of the reckoning with a foot injury. Christian Callejas is available despite only starting his pre-season last week while Serb trialist Milan Cvetic will also be in the squad.
For Mogren, this evening's match at the Centenary Stadium will be their first in the Champions League after winning their first ever championship at home last month.
In season 2008-09, the team coached by Dejan Vukicevic, won the Montenegro league in similar fashion to Hibernians. In fact, they were declared champions on the very last day of the championship following a 2-1 win over FK Jedinstvo Bijelo Polje.
Mogren finished top of the standings with 74 points, four ahead of FK Buducnost Podgorica, who beat Valletta in the Intertoto Cup in 2005 7-2 on aggregate.
"Mogren are a typical side from the Balkans, blessed with burly players and skilful individuals so we must be on our guard right from the start," Miller said.
"From the little we've seen on video, they seem to favour a 4-4-2 formation with their flank players providing a lot of balls inside the opponents' box. Probably, we'll have to work overtime to cut out the service to their strikers.
"But, Hibs won't be playing defensively. We'll try to adopt our usual flowing game and hit them on the break. We have to avoid conceding an early goal and if we manage to score first, then we will stand a good chance of securing a positive result."
The winners of this tie play FC Copenhagen in the next round.
Kick-off: 6.30 p.m.
Referee: Luc Wilmes (Luxembourg).