Carlisle United boss Keith Curle has sought the help of Sheffield Wednesday's bitter city rivals in a bid to send the Owls crashing out of the FA Cup tonight.
The Blues boss revealed he was set to speak to Sheffield United's management team for some pointers ahead of the third round replay (Hillsborough, 7.45pm).
Curle, a former Blades player and Sheffield resident, hopes the research carried out by United manager Chris Wilder ahead of the Sheffield derby last Friday could come in useful for his League Two team tonight.
"I watched bits and pieces of that game and I will also ring up Chrissy Wilder and [assistant] Alan Knill and get a copy of their match reports that they’ve had done for the last two or three weeks," Curle said.
"We will have good information on them. I live in Sheffield, and pick up bits and pieces that way as well.
"Strangely enough a couple of my mates are Sheffield Wednesday fans. They're nervous - they don’t want to get beat by Carlisle. That would be a dramatic fall from grace for them."
United are set to take a big travelling support to south Yorkshire tonight as they seek a dramatic victory which, according to chief executive Nigel Clibbens, could be worth £100,000 to the club.
That would include £67,500 prize money if they can see off Jos Luhukay's side and earn a fourth round home clash against Stevenage or Reading, who also replay tonight.
Curle is unlikely to tinker much with the side that beat Crewe on Saturday, although fit-again Luke Joyce could be an option if the manager wants to bolster his midfield.
Carlisle's boss admits United will have to be at the top of their game to stand a chance of progressing.
He added: "Can we go and play open, expansive game of football and match them man for man? No, we can't.
"There has to be realisation that it's a cup tie and we need a game plan. We need to make sure that everybody will be able to understand that, play their part and understand their roles.
"Then it’s a cup tie - roll your sleeves up and get dug in."
Curle also believes he will be targeted for stick by the home supporters in light of his playing days with Sheffield United.
The Blues boss said: "I don't think will take lot to entice the Sheffield Wednesday fans to turn on me. They are a partisan club, and there is a massive rivalry between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.
"I won't hide, but I won't react. This is my profession. People pay their money and can say what they want, to a point.
"My focus will be getting the best out of our players and giving them the attention they need to give them the best opportunity of getting something out of the game.
"I wouldn't put a lot of money on saying we're gonna go there and get rolled over, because that won't happen."
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