Matthew Shevlin says Coleraine have learned from the "naivety" which cost them in last year's League Cup final.
The Bannsiders were leading 2-0 going into the final 16 minutes against Cliftonville before being pegged back by Joe Gormley and Paul O'Neill.
The pair both scored again in extra time to secure the cup for the Reds and break Coleraine hearts, but Shevlin insists they have learnt from their mistakes.
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"There were maybe things we could have done when we were 2-0 up to kill the game, maybe take a bit longer on throw-ins, kick-outs or whatever," he said.
"I think we were a bit naïve, the last 15 minutes, and it sort of killed us. I think this year if we are in that position we would see the game out."
Shevlin knows all about Linfield's success having spent 18 months at Windsor Park before joining the Bannsiders, who he feels are rightly considered a major force as well.
"We're not really that conscious that it's Linfield, it's more the fact that it's a cup final against a big side," he said.
"The last few seasons Coleraine have been a force in the league, it's not something new now, we're in cup finals for a reason.
"We'll be going into Sunday full of confidence hoping to lift the trophy."
Shevlin is the league's top scorer with 26 goals although he would love to reach 30 before the end of the season.
"I don't want to jinx myself, I'll just take every game as it comes," he said.
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