The short answer is probably not. When up against supposedly poor opposition we usually manage to go through but more often than not we manage to make life hard for ourselves. Of course we can make the usual patronising comments about Brechin, or whoever, raising their game, but the fact of the matter is that a top six SPL side should be able to deal comfortably with Second Division opponents.
Brechin may be sitting fourth in their league but with just two wins from six their confidence is unlikely to be especially high. They have lost only once, which indicates a certain toughness, but we will still expect to have enough quality to progress.
If Hammell has not recovered from his hamstring injury we may be short at left back once more but it could be that Page is given a chance to shine. Forbes and McHugh may have spent enough time on the bench that Craig Brown will feel this is the chance to let them stretch their legs while, theoretically at least, Alan Gow will have few better opportunities to gain match fitness.
Introducing these squad players necessarily means resting others which can be no bad thing in the grand scheme of things. Lasley or Jennings being protected before a battle at Tynecastle is definitely advantageous while Murphy and Humphrey, having covered miles in games since mid-July, may also benefit from a seat in the stand.
Whatever happens, first choice team or not, we know a cup run can provide both invaluable income and maintain momentum and excitement throughout the slog of the SPL campaign so nothing less than a win is acceptable. Let's hope we can also get it in convincing fashion – 3-0 would be nice.