Marist are a third-tier Computer Care HB Premiership but last year they agonisingly lost 3-2 to Red Sox in a Fed Cup match in the dying minutes.
"Teams change so we don't know if they're the same side or if they have lost a few players but we're expecting a tough game, as we did against Gisborne, because they have some quality about them," says Dunning.
Marist have no qualms about wearing the underdogs' collar on the road at an expansive Memorial Park which he believes will suit their deft passing game.
"It's up to us the way we play but it's definitely a win-able game," he says of the clash against the fifth-placed Fed Leaguers.
The Englishman is aware Red Sox have a few pacey players and a crop of seasoned campaigners but there's no fear.
Personally, he would have preferred Central League side Palmerston North Marist but a laughing Dunning understands his boys' desire to play the Blues.
"They [Rovers] have a tough, tough game against Havelock because Chris [Greatholder] has go them very well organised," he says of the Wanderers coach before that 2pm kick off tomorrow at Park Island.
Dunning didn't waste time picking the brains of Greatholder whose undefeated troops have beaten Manawatu Red Sox in the league.
"That was very much appreciated because, as coaches, we don't run a close shop so we take all the help that we can get so it'll help us, hopefully."
Marist have no injury worries but have lost midfielder Mason Jones who has for Queenstown.
"We're looking at bringing in a new player so we're trying to sort things out but I don't know if he'll be signed on time," he says.
First-year Red Sox coach Neil Perry says they have lost a few players from last season but also gained a few but the squad have impressed him despite Fed League results not going their way.
"That's football, unfortunately," says Perry.
Manawatu understand Marist "like to play football", possess pace and employ the 4-4-2 formation.
"We vary what we play. We're quite flexible," he says, happy to counter any formation an opposition bring any given day.
Perry says the Caleb Haylard-captained Red Sox have played 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 as well.
After a beautiful week, he says it's raining for the past three days but he expects Memorial Park to provide a decent surface.
"It can be wet ... but I've played on it historically and it's played really well but you can't do anything about the weather."
■ RED SOX: 1 Scott Outtrim (GK), 2 Aaron Coatsworth, 3 Paul Dalzell, 4 Mitchell Higgison, 5 Lee Moses, 6 Brandon Jackson, 7 Caleb Gaylard (c), 8 Michael Hilson, 9 Luke Fryer, 10 Liam Patterson, 11 Ryan Noble, 12 Michael Webb, 13 Jacob Tipene, 14 Gwylym Hamilton, 15 Friday Smith, 16 Satorie Chambers, 17 Crispin Moore.
Coach: Neil Perry.
■ NAPIER MARIST: Ryan Todd (GK), Jonty Underhill, Jackson Durrington, Dylan Barron, Dylan du Rossi, Dylan Mackirdy, Ruben Thurston (c), Ethan Martin, Ben Lack, Josh Murphy, Dan Baxter, Harry Mason, Jake Murphy, Mitchell Dick, Tai Barham, Wilson McCullough.
Coach: Jamie Dunning.
