TABLE-topping Grimsby Town must be on their guard against the 'underdogs' of Lincoln City in today's derby showdown.
That's according to Mariners joint boss Paul Hurst ahead of the Sincil Bank clash, where victory will keep his side at the summit – and send almost 1,800 travelling fans into ecstasy.
Friday night's 1-0 win over promotion rivals Wrexham at Blundell Park ensured Town were top of the pile at Christmas.
And, despite the Imps being on a good run and holding home advantage, Hurst insists the Mariners head into the match as favourites.
He said: "In some ways, Lincoln are in a good position – they'll go into this game as underdogs and try to use that as a positive.
"We've said to our players that will be the case a lot now. We've got to get used to carrying the tag of being favourites, in games and for the league.
"The players have carried it well so far but we know teams are going to use that to motivate themselves – although in a local derby, I'm not sure the teams need any more motivation."
The Town co-manager says last season's double derby triumph over the festive period could also motivate the hosts.
Last time around, a 2-1 win away was followed by a 3-1 success in Cleethorpes on New Year's Day.
"All the Lincoln players who were there last season and the manager will be looking to reverse the results from last year, we know that," he added.
"We've mentioned it and I'm sure it's in David Holdsworth and one or two of the Lincoln players' minds, but not to the extent that it gives us a psychological advantage.
"That's been and gone. For our players who were here, we'll ask them to remember last season because there's no doubt it was one of the highlights of the campaign. Playing in those games in front of those crowds was fantastic.
"And because it's on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, you often remember those games. Thankfully they're good memories for us.
"It's a different year altogether and they'll be two very tough games against Lincoln today and on New Year's Day, with Mansfield in the middle."
After a tricky start to their season, Holdsworth's men have lost just once in their last eight Blue Square Bet Premier encounters.
And only defeat to Mansfield in their last game robbed Lincoln of an FA Cup Third-Round tie with Premier League giants Liverpool next month.
"They've had a bit of a disappointment in terms of the cup," Hurst continued. "We went to that game and they got edged out with a big tie against Liverpool waiting.
"But we all know that the league is your bread and butter, and their form has improved massively over the last couple of months.
"From being down in the lower reaches, they're now sitting 10th and not a million miles off the play-offs.
"They've also got a couple of games in hand due to their various cup games and other matches being called off, and they'll be desperate to push on."
