Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin admits Rapid Vienna are probably favourites “in a lot of people’s eyes” to knock his injury-hit side out of the Conference League.
The third qualifying round tie is in the balance after United twice came from behind against one of last season’s quarter-finalists to secure a 2-2 draw in last week’s first leg in Austria.
Despite taking “learnings” from that game and having home advantage on Thursday, Goodwin is well aware of the job the Tangerines have on their hands at what will be a packed Tannadice.
The winner will play Sweden’s AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor of Hungary for a place in the Conference League.
“It is massive,” said Goodwin. “There won’t be any need for too much motivational speech from me before the game because the players know what is at stake.
“They know the opportunity that they have got but we know Rapid Vienna are a really good team and probably still in a lot of people’s eyes are favourites.
“If the fans can generate a really positive atmosphere and drive the players on then hopefully it will be a memorable one that we will look back on in years to come.”
