Birkirkara head coach Giovanni Tedesco will draw upon a memory of old when he brings his team to the Boleyn Ground on Thursday night.
The 43-year-old Italian, who has taken the reins at Birkirkara this summer, was part of the Palermo squad which triumphed at the Boleyn Ground and ended West Ham United's last foray into Europe nine years ago.
He did not get onto the pitch in either leg of that UEFA Cup first round tie, but has fond memories of his previous trip to the East End and knows a special atmosphere will be generated by the 30,000-plus crowd.
He explained: "In 2006 I was on the bench when Palermo played West Ham here in east London. It was the West Ham side with Mascherano, Tevez and Sheringham and we won 1-0 with a goal by Caracciolo.
"Then we won 3-0 in Palermo so that's a very positive memory for me. We know tomorrow will be different but I hope the outcome is the same and I remember the atmosphere was fantastic.
"Everything about the match, the build-up was very positive and it's a very nice memory."
Fast forward to the present and former Fiorentina and Perugia player Tedesco knows his team faces a very different task this time around.
However, he is certain that the Maltese Cup winners will give a good showing against their Barclays Premier League hosts.
He explained: "We know we're up against a top team, but we're not here on holiday or to give any presents away. We deserve it and and we will play our own football to make it difficult for West Ham.
"We're not here to be passive opponents, we want to play our part and we have huge desire to win.
"What's important is we play here with courage, we have desire to attack and don't just come here to defend. We will do our best, we will play with heart and in these type of matches the mental side and being courageous is the most important thing."
Buy your Birkirkara tickets before midnight on Wednesday to secure the advance rate of £10 Adults and £5 U16s. Matchday prices are £20 Adults and £10 U16s - buy now at whufcboxoffice.com
The 43-year-old Italian, who has taken the reins at Birkirkara this summer, was part of the Palermo squad which triumphed at the Boleyn Ground and ended West Ham United's last foray into Europe nine years ago.
He did not get onto the pitch in either leg of that UEFA Cup first round tie, but has fond memories of his previous trip to the East End and knows a special atmosphere will be generated by the 30,000-plus crowd.
He explained: "In 2006 I was on the bench when Palermo played West Ham here in east London. It was the West Ham side with Mascherano, Tevez and Sheringham and we won 1-0 with a goal by Caracciolo.
"Then we won 3-0 in Palermo so that's a very positive memory for me. We know tomorrow will be different but I hope the outcome is the same and I remember the atmosphere was fantastic.
"Everything about the match, the build-up was very positive and it's a very nice memory."
Fast forward to the present and former Fiorentina and Perugia player Tedesco knows his team faces a very different task this time around.
However, he is certain that the Maltese Cup winners will give a good showing against their Barclays Premier League hosts.
He explained: "We know we're up against a top team, but we're not here on holiday or to give any presents away. We deserve it and and we will play our own football to make it difficult for West Ham.
"We're not here to be passive opponents, we want to play our part and we have huge desire to win.
"What's important is we play here with courage, we have desire to attack and don't just come here to defend. We will do our best, we will play with heart and in these type of matches the mental side and being courageous is the most important thing."
Buy your Birkirkara tickets before midnight on Wednesday to secure the advance rate of £10 Adults and £5 U16s. Matchday prices are £20 Adults and £10 U16s - buy now at whufcboxoffice.com