Preview of the Premier Sports Cup Last 16

Welcome to the latest article in my blog. Today, I’ll be previewing the Last 16 of the Premier Sports/Scottish League Cup. There’s 8 fixtures to get through so let’s not waste any more time and get going. 

Rangers v Dunfermline 

There is absolutely no doubt about who the favourites are going into this one. Rangers take on Dunfermline as each of these sides will look to become the first to reach the quarter finals. Ibrox is the venue on Friday evening for the first of the last 16 fixtures. 

Dunfermline got to this stage by being one of the best second place teams in the group stage. They won against Partick Thistle, Dumbarton and Stenhousemuir. Their only defeat came at the hands of St. Mirren who finished top of Group H. The Pars haven’t endured the best start to their league campaign; an opening day draw in Greenock against Morton was followed up by a 3-0 home loss to newly promoted Partick Thistle. Pressure is already beginning to mount on manager Peter Grant and a trip to Ibrox won’t do him any favours. 

After three consecutive losses against Malmö, Dundee United and Malmö once again, things are not so rosy in Govan. Despite these defeats, the Gers will be expected to breeze past Dunfermline. It may not be such an easy task although with a full capacity Ibrox, Steven Gerrard’s men should have no excuses not to go through. It should be noted though that Dunfermline took Celtic to extra time at Celtic Park at this stage of the competition in the 19/20 season. 

One to Watch - Nathan Patterson

Nathan Patterson is yet to see any competitive action this season however with Rangers’ encounter against Malmö just 72 hours before this tie, rotation could be required and the teenager could get his first minutes of the season to kickstart his 21/22 campaign. 

Score prediction: Rangers 2-0 Dunfermline

Ayr United v Dundee United

The first of the Saturday three o’clock kick offs in the Scottish League Cup comes at Somerset Park when Ayr United take on Dundee United. Both finished top of their respective groups however it is the Arabs who are the seeded side after winning 12 points compared to Ayr’s 10. 

After becoming the first Scottish side to beat Rangers in 40 games, Tam Courts’ men will be high on confidence going into this one. The Premiership side have a 100% record in the League Cup so far this season and will no doubt be the bookies favourite in this tie. Their Premiership campaign didn’t get off to the best start after a 2-0 defeat at Pittodrie although they more than redeemed themselves with the afore mentioned win over Rangers at Tannadice. Dundee United narrowly missed out on the last 16 in 20/21 however they have their chance this season and should undoubtedly make it to the quarter finals of the competition. 

Ayr United have suffered just one defeat in competitive action this season which came in the Ayrshire derby versus Kilmarnock on the first game of the Championship season. The Honest Men are the underdogs in this tie however with home advantage, the experienced Ian MacCall will be looking to take advantage of Tam Courts’ unenlightenment of managing in knockout cup ties. 

One to Watch - Tomi Adeloye

If I was picking a Dundee United player to watch in this game it would either be Jamie Robson or Charlie Mulgrew simply for the fact that both enjoyed stellar displays against the Scottish Champions at the weekend. However, I’m going to tick outside the box here and pick an Ayr United player. Tomi Adeloye has experienced a great start to life in Ayrshire. The Englishman joined the Honest Men on a free from Barnet and has scored 3 goals in his first 5 appearances for the club. If the Championship side are to get something, it will no doubt come through the 25 year old although he will have to be on top form to beat Benjamin Siegrist in the Dundee United goal. 

Score prediction: Ayr United 1-3 Dundee United 

Dundee v Motherwell

Both of these sides will be looking to get back to winning ways after not tasting victory since the last of their group stage games. There is no real favourite in this tie and it is one of the most even of the round. 

Dundee have just been promoted to the Scottish Premiership and were taught a tough lesson as they were beaten 6-0 by Celtic in their second game of the league season. Previous to this defeat was an encouraging 2-2 draw with St. Mirren. The Dee got to this stage by winning all of their group stage games, albeit one being an awarded victory. Dundee’s strengths certainly lie in attack, this showed with the six goals they shipped at Celtic Park. James McPake’s side will look to exploit Motherwell’s defence that conceded three goals at home to Hibs in the first match day of the Scottish Premiership season. 

Similar to Dundee, Motherwell’s problems lie at the back. The Steelmen conceded three at home to Hibs as they were beaten 3-2 however they reformed against St. Johnstone in their second league game, drawing 1-1. Their road to the last 16 wasn’t the smoothest. A 2-0 defeat in the Lanarkshire derby against Airdrieonians was met with fan anger although they bounced back against Annan to secure a place in the current round. They have great attacking threat through the likes of Kevin van Veen, Tony Watt and Kaiyne Woolery which should be enough to see them through to the quarter finals. 

One to Watch - Kevin van Veen

The physical Dutch striker, should he start, will most likely be too much too handle for the Dundee defence. After not scoring against St. Johnstone, the 30 year old will be keen to get back on the score sheet at Dens Park. 

Score prediction: Dundee 2-3 Motherwell

Livingston v St. Mirren 

Yet another tough to call tie is St. Mirren versus Livingston. These two clubs played out one of the semi finals of the competition last season and were narrowly separated by a ninth minute Scott Robinson goal. Livingston would suffer defeat in the final against St. Johnstone whereas the Buddies were left licking their wounds. This season, the Lions and the Saints meet in the last 16. 

The hosts narrowly made it through to the current stage of the competition. Livingston finished second in their group with eight points, one point behind winners Raith Rovers. In the league though, Livingston are the only team without a point so far. They lost on the opening day against Rangers before a last minute Jack MacKenzie winner robbed them of a point at the Tony Macaroni Arena against Aberdeen. A cup tie with St. Mirren presents David Martindale with the chance to get his side back on track and possibly start another historic cup run. 

As mentioned, the Buddies were in the semi final of the competition last season although they also made it to the semi finals of the Scottish Cup. Both of these runs will fill the side with confidence that they can once again, reach the semis or maybe even go one or two steps further. A 2-2 draw with Dundee on opening day of the Premiership was followed up by a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Hearts most recently. St. Mirren ended the group stage of the League Cup without any dropped points. An awarded win against Dumbarton, along with earned victories over Dunfermline, Stenhousemuir and Partick Thistle saw Jim Goodwin’s men progress without any hiccups. 

One to Watch - Jamie McGrath

Jamie McGrath is St. Mirren’s key player and I envisage the Irishman will come to the fore once again for the Buddies this weekend. McGrath has been linked with several moves away from St. Mirren including to Celtic in recent times. The 24 year old already has two goals in competitive action this season and could add to that this weekend in West Lothian. 

Score prediction: Livingston 0-2 St. Mirren

Raith Rovers v Aberdeen

Just like Rangers, Aberdeen are overwhelming front runners in their tie. The Dons face Championship opposition in Raith Rovers in the last 16. I wouldn’t fully rule out Raith though, especially with home advantage and the fact Aberdeen play in Europe on the Thursday. 

In normal time, Raith Rovers avoided defeat in all of their League Cup group stage games. Two of them went to penalties; the Kirkcaldy club lost to Livingston and won against Alloa. In their first league game of the season, the Rovers played out one of the most enthralling encounters, across all Scottish divisions, of the season. John McGlynn’s side were 4-0 up and cruising with 25 minutes to go before Hamilton produced a spirited comeback to make it 4-4 at full time. Raith Rovers then made the trip north to Inverness in their second league game of the season only to taste defeat in the Highlands. The Stark’s Park club haven’t won since the 13th July and it is likely that run will go on until at least their next Championship fixture. 

Stephen Glass couldn’t have asked for a better start to life in the granite city. A 100% record in the league so far, victory in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round and a 3-2 away win in the first leg of the third round of Europa Conference League qualifying has seen excitement build among Aberdeen fans. At the time of writing, we are yet to see if the Dons are to knockout Icelandic side Breidablik although they do carry a strong 3-2 lead going into the second leg in Aberdeen. The match against Raith Rovers comes just under 72 hours after their game against Breidablik and the hosts will be hoping for a European hangover from Scott Brown and co. This was nearly the case against Livingston at the weekend for Aberdeen although Jack MacKenzie turned one point into three with a late winner. Manager Stephen Glass will indisputably rotate the team however the Premiership side will surely have too much for Raith Rovers. 

One to Watch - Teddy Jenks

Jack MacKenzie and Calvin Ramsey would be obvious choices for this game although Stephen Glass does love to rotate his Aberdeen side. I don’t expect Teddy Jenks to feature against Breidablik on Thursday even after his pile driver against Livingston at the weekend; Lewis Ferguson and Scott Brown will more than likely come back into midfield for such a pivotal tie. I anticipate Jenks to then come back into the side against Raith Rovers in the cup and possibly get a goal contribution or two. 

Score prediction: Raith Rovers 0-3 Aberdeen 

Arbroath v St. Johnstone

Arbroath play St. Johnstone for the second time this season in the second of the Scottish League Cup fixtures on Sunday. The two sides met in a friendly on the 21st of July at Gayfield Park and the Saints walked away as 4-1 victors. A similar score line on Sunday in the holders favour wouldn’t be astonishing to see. 

The home side were drawn in arguably one of the most favourable groups of the competition. Three of the four opposition teams were in a lower division than the Championship side. Dundee United were the other club in Group B and the only one to put Arbroath to the sword. The Red Lichties won every other game. As for their league form, Arbroath have yet to win this season. They lost 1-0 at home to Inverness on opening day before drawing two-all with Ayr United. I don’t expect Dick Campbell’s side to pose much of a threat to the 20/21 cup double winners. 

The Perth Sainties will be hoping to retain their status as holders of the Scottish League Cup although the focus this week will definitely be on the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round against Galatasaray. A quick turn around for Callum Davidson’s men could be troublesome although I fully anticipate them to brush aside Arbroath. Because the McDiarmid Park side won the competition last season they didn’t have to compete in the group stages of the tournament. Their SPFL campaign hasn’t got off to the most enthralling beginning. Two consecutive draws with Ross County and Motherwell are not inspiring results but the Perth side can be forgiven with a historic European journey in occurrence. Whatever happens against Galatasaray on Thursday, St. Johnstone will still be forecast to win this tie and book their place in the quarter finals. 

One to Watch - Glenn Middleton

The Scot enjoyed a productive six month loan spell at St. Johnstone last season, making 13 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals. The 21 year old will now spend the whole of the 21/22 season in Perth on loan from Rangers. Middleton played his first game of the season at the weekend against Motherwell and was lively. I believe the loanee will produce on Sunday to kickstart his second temporary stay in Perth. 

Score prediction: Arbroath 0-2 St. Johnstone

Hibs v Kilmarnock 

The penultimate tie of the round sees Hibernian take on Kilmarnock at Easter Road on Sunday afternoon. It’s another case of Premiership versus Championship although I feel this could be the tie that produces a shock. 

In 20/21, Hibs reached the semi final of this competition. Jack Ross’ men have been on excellent form this season. They defeated Santa Coloma 5-1 over two legs and they have maximum points from their first two Premiership games. Sandwiched in between those league games was a 1-1 draw with Rijeka in the third round of qualifying for the Europa Conference League. The Hibees then travel to Croatia for the second leg of that tie on Thursday evening. Martin Boyle, Christian Doidge and Kyle Magennis have all been in fine fettle this season and the Easter Road crowd will be hoping for yet another first class display from these players on Sunday. 

After suffering relegation through the cruel play off system last season, Kilmarnock are back at a Premiership ground. Killie have won all of the competitive games they’ve played this season. They defeated East Kilbride 2-0 on the 10th of July in their first League Cup game although that was soon changed to a 3-0 victory for the home side after it was found out Kilmarnock fielded an ineligible player. Tommy Wright’s team bounced back from this setback by winning the rest of their games in the group stage fairly. In the league, they’ve yet to concede a goal after winning 2-0 against Ayr United and 1-0 against Queen of the South. The Rugby Park side will be looking to prove to Scotland why they should be in the top flight of football in the country and I predict an unexpected victory for the Ayrshire club. Hibs will be off the back of a European tie on the Thursday in Croatia whereas Kilmarnock will have had a full week of preparation. 

One to Watch - Innes Cameron 

Innes Cameron is a tall, physical striker. The 20 year old scored 7 goals and assisted 2 in 20 appearances in the Championship last season. In 21/22, Cameron already has 2 goals to his name across the League Cup and Championship. The Scot will surely be aiming to announce himself to Scottish football on Sunday at Easter Road. 

Score Prediction: Hibs 1-2 Kilmarnock (AET)

Celtic v Hearts 

Rounding off the weekend of League Cup action is an encounter between Celtic and Hearts in the east end of Glasgow on Sunday at three o’clock. This promises to be feisty affair and you would expect Celtic to be seeking vengeance after the opening day of the Scottish Premiership at Tynecastle. 

Despite Hearts’ victory over Celtic almost two weeks ago, the Hoops are still the favourites going  into this tie and rightly so. Ange Postecoglou has got the Bhoys back playing exciting, attacking and innovative football after scoring 10 goals in the last 2 games. A 4-2 win in the Czech Republic was followed by a 6-0 romping of Dundee in the league. The Hoops were knocked out of the competition at the current stage last season by Ross County. This years version of the competition though, provides Ange Postecoglou with an opportunity to win his first piece of silverware as Celtic manager. I don’t expect Hearts to be pushovers although with a full capacity Celtic Park, the Hoops should progress to the quarter finals. 

Robbie Neilson will be hoping his Hearts side can perform to the same levels they did in their Scottish Premiership opener against Celtic this weekend. The Jambos have won all six of their competitive games this season in the League Cup and Scottish Premiership. Wins over Peterhead, Cove Rangers, Stirling Albion, Inverness, Celtic and St. Mirren have seen hopes and expectations raise in the capital for the season ahead. Experienced Premiership figures such as Liam Boyce, Andy Halliday and Gary Mackay-Steven have been key for the Jam Tarts so far in 21/22 and they could certainly cause the Celtic defence that was relatively untested against Dundee problems on Sunday. The Hearts defence though, will have to be at the top of their game to halt the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Ryan Christie. 

One to Watch - Kyogo Furuhashi

After bagging a hat-trick on his home debut, Kyogo Furuhashi will surely be key to Celtic’s attacks on Sunday. The Japanese striker has looked sharp so far in green and white and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. I foresee the 26 year old getting on the score sheet once more come Sunday. 

Score prediction: Celtic 3-1 Hearts

It promises to be an exciting weekend of cup football ahead. Remember, there is no replays and ties will go straight to extra time and penalties if required. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog.