Mixu Paatelainen hopes Dundee United can avoid a cup shock

Mixu Paatelainen concedes a "cup shock might be in the air" when his struggling Dundee United side visit Airdrie on Saturday.

The Tannadice side are rooted to the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table, 11 points adrift of Kilmarnock, albeit it with a game in hand over the Rugby Park side.

Paatelainen is not sure if a trip to League One side Airdrie in the fourth-round of the Scottish Cup is a welcome break from the pressures of trying to stay in the top flight but he is aware of the possible pitfalls.

The Finnish boss said: "It is very important to us. I realise we have a very tough tie, Airdrie will be full of energy and spirit.

"Do I welcome the break from league football playing a cup tie? Yes and no.

"Obviously we would like to play a league match and get three points and start climbing but on the other hand, cup football is exciting.

"I always look forward to cup ties, it is that special spice, it is a one-off, especially when you play against Airdrie and teams like that.

"The cup shock might be in the air, obviously we want to avoid that.

"Airdrie are looking forward to making things like that happen so there is plenty of excitement."

While a win will not make any difference to United's league position Paatelainen knows the resultant boost from making it through to the next round could have a knock-on effect when the fight for survival resumes.

He said: "Any win is important, especially where we are at the moment.

"We look forward to doing everything to win on Saturday and take it forward from there.

"Every team approaches the cup with 100 per cent effort and we are no different.

"We do realise it is a tricky tie and we must play our best to win."