Michael Collins expects Leyton Orient to play with freedom in the FA Cup at high-flying League One side Sheffield United
Leyton Orient midfielder Michael Collins in action on his debut against Crewe Alexandra (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Experienced midfielder, born in Halifax, is looking forward to going back up north and taking on the Blades at Bramall Lane
Michael Collins hopes Leyton Orient can thrive from having no pressure on them in the first round of the FA Cup this week.
The O’s face League One side Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday (2pm), looking to bounce back after another defeat last Saturday – this time to Crewe Alexandra.
Collins, born in Halifax and having come through the Huddersfield Town academy, is looking forward to going back up to Yorkshire after signing for Orient on Friday.
He said: “The missus is happy with this game! It is the perfect cup tie in the sense that they will be strong favourites.
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“Sheffield United are going well this season and especially at home they’ll be expected to turn us over. We can go there and play pressure-free and see what comes from it.”
Orient take a break from their struggles in League Two over the next week with the FA Cup tie against the Blades followed by a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion under-23s for their final EFL Trophy Southern Group G fixture on Tuesday.
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If Orient can win at the Falmer Stadium, they will qualify for round two of the competition.
But first is a clash at Bramall Lane where Sheffield United will be overwhelming favourites.
Collins added: “Cup runs are always good for teams because they build morale. We will certainly go there trying to win and won’t be going with our heads done or tails between our legs after Saturday.”
It is unclear if the Orient squad have been forced to do double training sessions again this week.
Alberto Cavasin’s team did in the build-up to facing Hartlepool United on October 22 and won 3-1.
Last week they did for almost every day, taking Wednesday off, ahead of hosting Crewe Alexandra.
“I’ve no problem with the double sessions whatsoever. I think it is now part and parcel of football,” said Collins last Saturday.
“A lot of clubs are going that way, especially higher up, and it seems to be the way the game is going. If that is what gets results then so be it.
“We’re employed to get success for this club so whatever we’re asked to do as players we get on with it and we do it. That is the overriding message coming out of the dressing room and everybody will put a shift in to put it right.”