But he warned the Edinburgh side's 5-1 cup final thrashing by Hearts last May could act as added motivation for Pat Fenlon's side.
Hibs suffered the worst day in their history as they were taken apart by their city rivals to prolong their run without Scottish Cup glory beyond 110 years.
Shiels said: "There's a lot of pressure on Hibs because they haven't won it for 100-odd years.
"As a club that puts pressure on the players. There is so much pressure on those players.
"With us being the underdogs, it takes a little bit of the pressure off."
When asked whether last season's final put more onus on Hibs, Shiels said: "I think it's an incentive for them. I wouldn't say it was added pressure.
"I think it gives them a good incentive to get to Hampden again."
