Dundee boss John Brown admits there has been a buzz around Dens this week however, he is concerned about a sting in the tail when the “Wasps” come calling.
The Dark Blues players are determined to make up for last weekend’s disappointing defeat against Queen of the South in Dumfries when they face Paul Hartley’s Alloa outfit.
Brown though is aware just how tough a task it will be after last month’s Ramsdens Cup tie at Recreation Park.
Dundee ultimately triumphed that day thanks to a solitary Carlo Monti goal and the Dens boss is expecting another testing afternoon, especially after Hartley recently brought in a young hotshot Aberdeen striker on loan.
Brown said: “We have had a good reaction from the lads in training this week and it is all about transferring that on to the park on Saturday.
“We have already played Alloa and it was a tough game. The only thing that separated the two sides was a penalty kick so we know it will be a difficult match again.
“Paul Hartley has got his team well-drilled and organised. He has done a great job there considering his budget. What he has achieved in the last couple of seasons has been remarkable.
“He has good experienced players throughout his side and they will help the younger boys. So there is a good mix there and we will have to be on our toes.
“They have also added the boy Declan McManus from Aberdeen up front for them.
Brown added: “But we are certainly looking for a better defensive display than we got last week. We will also look to impose ourselves on our own patch here.
“We need to put points on the board after the disappointment of last week and the overall performance.
“It is just one game and you are better finding things out now rather than the end of the season when it could be a different story with everything riding on it.
“I know our level is better than that and the players are aware of what’s required. As I said, Alloa will be tough but we need to turn Dens Park into a stronghold for us.
“Any club will tell you if you have a good home record, then you will be in with a shout at the end of the season.”
Brown, who is still on the lookout for another goalkeeper, will be able to welcome back one experienced player for the Alloa game but another key performer will be missing.
He added: “Nicky Riley is still out. He isn’t too far away from coming back but it was a medial ligament strain and we don’t want to push it.
“Gary Irvine is back from suspension and is in the squad.”