STEVE Bruce is confident his Hull City side can again thrive in their status as underdogs and land the scalp of Premier League leaders Arsenal tonight.
Four days after masterminding a stirring victory over high-flying Liverpool at the KC Stadium, Bruce leads the Tigers to the Emirates this evening for the second installment of a high-profile week.
Against an Arsenal side beaten just once in their last 12 games and four points clear at the summit of the table, City will begin as firm outsiders to topple Arsene Wenger's side.
But having already witnessed his troops scare Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham on their travels this term before going down to narrow defeats, Bruce wants City to play without trepidation.
"We knew from the start of the season we'd be underdogs. We were favourites in many peoples' eyes to go down and that's quite normal for any team coming up from the Championship," said Bruce.
"The one thing we've done is be consistent and played to a level that's given us a chance.
"That means we've got to play well week in and week out, which is always difficult because you can't afford many off days. We certainly can't have one at Arsenal.
"We'll have to be at our best but we've proved at Tottenham, Everton, Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City that we can make a fist of it. We've maybe not got the right result but that's the way we've got to approach it. Let's have a go and see what we can do."
Bruce's one nagging reservation is that tonight's trip comes so soon after the exertions that yielded a 3-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Just two days of recuperation have been possible before making the journey to the capital and Bruce added: "I just hope we've recovered.
"Looking at the stats of what we ran against Liverpool, it was quite spectacular in terms of ground covered. I just hope we can go and put in another performance like we have done away from home.
"If we do, I know for a fact we'll give them a game. Whether we'll be good enough, that's always the question.
"To play back-to-back games against Liverpool and Arsenal for us is a big goal. That's not making excuses before we get there, I just hope we can because we've made a fist of it everywhere else."
City's mission could hardly be more challenging. Since losing 3-1 to Aston Villa on the opening weekend, Arsenal have responded by collecting 31 points from a possible 36.
The Gunners, sprinkled with the creative stardust of Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, will chase a sixth consecutive home win in the Premier League tonight.
Wenger, who lost 2-1 at home to Phil Brown's City in September 2008, has respect for his visitors. He said: "Hull have done very well and they have nothing to lose when they come to us.
"We have a warning from the Liverpool game. Hull are very dynamic going forward and on set-pieces they look strong as well."
