Amakhosi head into the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals depending on the likes of Njabulo Blom and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, who have stepped up to the plate in the last three games.
McCarthy says playing the Buccaneers behind closed doors at FNB Stadium will take the usual pressure of the fans off them while he hopes the senior players will support them.
"There won't be too much pressure for them," McCarthy tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"Not having supporters in the stadium, it's very good for them to grow their confidence. It can be intimidating to play in a Derby with supporters regardless of form.
"It a huge advantage for them and I'm expecting the senior players to guide them to make sure they keep performing well."
Despite a good performance against Chippa United, Amakhosi struggled against Mamelodi Sundowns but McCarthy believes his former side will overcome Pirates in the first leg.
"There will be goals in this game. I'm expecting Chiefs to win. They seem to be showing better fight compared to Pirates at the moment," he concludes.