Scottish League Cup returns: St Mirren, Dundee and Falkirk in group action

Scottish football supporters are turning their attention back to domestic action this weekend as the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup get under way, with holders St Mirren among four Scottish Premiership clubs kicking off their competitive campaigns, as reported by BBC Sport.

With Scotland’s World Cup interest having ended early, focus has shifted quickly to club football, and there are several intriguing fixtures to look forward to as early as Saturday.

Holders St Mirren begin defence at Dumbarton

St Mirren enjoyed a dramatic year after lifting the League Cup in December, beating favourites Celtic 3-1 at Hampden Park. Manager Stephen Robinson left to join Aberdeen in March, with Craig McLeish taking interim charge for the remainder of the campaign.

The Paisley side faced Celtic again in the Scottish Cup semi-final, coming back from two goals down to force extra time before eventually losing 6-2. St Mirren then had to survive a play-off to retain their Premiership status, with McLeish securing a 2-1 aggregate win over Partick Thistle that also earned him the manager’s job permanently.

St Mirren begin the defence of their trophy away to Dumbarton on Saturday at 3pm BST. In the other Group C fixture, East Kilbride host Scottish Cup finalists Dunfermline Athletic, while Cove Rangers are not in action this round.

Dundee seek revenge as United face Stirling

Dundee failed to escape their group last season, in part due to a 1-0 defeat at home to Championship side Airdrieonians. Steven Pressley’s side went on to enjoy a solid Premiership campaign, never seriously troubled by relegation.

Almost exactly a year on from that shock result, Airdrie return to Dens Park on Saturday at 3pm looking for another upset. Elsewhere in Group D, Annan Athletic host Ross County, while Clyde have a bye this weekend.

In the evening’s action, Dundee United travel to Stirling Albion at 5.30pm in Group B, with Arbroath hosting Spartans earlier in the day. United, as Scotland’s European representative last season, received a bye in the first round before being eliminated in round two by Kilmarnock. Jim Goodwin’s side went on to finish seventh in the Premiership.

Bairns head to the capital as bigger names wait

Falkirk were among the standout stories of last season’s Premiership, finishing sixth in the top flight following back-to-back promotions under John McGlynn. The Bairns went through last season’s League Cup group stage unbeaten before being knocked out by Celtic, who beat them 4-1 in round two.

In Group G, Stranraer host Ayr United this weekend, with Alloa Athletic not involved. Falkirk’s own fixture takes them to the capital as part of their group programme.

Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and newly promoted St Johnstone will not begin their group campaigns until Tuesday, 14 July. Livingston, relegated from the Premiership last season, are also due to start their Group E campaign on that date.

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