Marcus Fraser and St Mirren Return to League Cup Action on Saturday
Although the World Cup is still underway, it is gradually fading from the focus of Scottish football fans. Following Scotland's early elimination, attention has shifted back to domestic competitions. Fortunately, there are several competitive matches scheduled for this weekend.
The first-round group stages of the Premier Sports Cup commence this weekend, featuring four Scottish Premiership teams in action.
Below are some of the key fixtures to watch.
Holders St Mirren Visit Dumbarton
Last season was a rollercoaster for the reigning champions, St Mirren. The Paisley club secured the League Cup in December by defeating favourites Celtic 3-1 at Hampden Park.
Following this success, manager Stephen Robinson left for Aberdeen in March, with interim manager Craig McLeish taking charge for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. A rematch against Celtic occurred in the Scottish Cup semi-final, where St Mirren rallied from two goals down to force extra time. However, Celtic ultimately prevailed with a 6-2 victory, later going on to win the competition.
St Mirren then concentrated on Premiership survival, a challenge that extended to the play-off final. McLeish guided the team to a 2-1 aggregate win over Partick Thistle, securing his position as permanent manager.
St Mirren begin their League Cup title defence with an away match against Dumbarton at 15:00 BST. Meanwhile, East Kilbride will host Scottish Cup finalists Dunfermline Athletic in the other Group C fixture. Cove Rangers will not participate in this round.
Dundee Seek Revenge as United Face Stirling
Last July, Chris Mochrie, now with St Mirren, scored Airdrieonians' winning goal at Dens Park.
Dundee failed to progress beyond the group stage last season, with Airdrieonians' 1-0 victory at Dens Park contributing to their early exit. Steven Pressley's team had a solid Premiership campaign, avoiding relegation concerns.
On Saturday, nearly a year after their previous visit, Championship side Airdrie will return to Dens Park aiming for another upset, with kickoff at 15:00. Annan Athletic will host Ross County in the other Group D match, while Clyde will not play this weekend.
In the evening fixture, Dundee United travel to Stirling Albion at 17:30 in Group B. Earlier in the day, Arbroath will face Spartans.
Last season, Dundee United, representing Scotland in European competition, received a bye in the first round but were eliminated in the second round by Kilmarnock. Jim Goodwin's squad finished seventh in the Premiership.
Bairns in Capital as Premiership Teams Await Their Turn
Falkirk had a notable season last term, finishing sixth in the Premiership after successive promotions under John McGlynn.
The Bairns progressed through their group unbeaten last season but were eliminated in round two after a 4-1 loss to Celtic in Glasgow.
Elsewhere in Group G, Stranraer will host Ayr United, with Alloa Athletic not participating this weekend.
Several Premiership clubs including Aberdeen (Group A), Kilmarnock (Group H), and promoted St Johnstone (Group F) will begin their group campaigns on Tuesday, 14 July. Livingston, relegated from the Premiership and competing in Group E, will also start on that date.
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