The World Cup may still be echoing around the globe, but Scottish football supporters have something closer to home to focus on now. The group stage of the Premier Sports Cup gets under way this Saturday, with four top-flight clubs beginning their campaigns — and there are some genuinely compelling fixtures to sink your teeth into.

Holders St Mirren Head to Dumbarton

It has been quite a twelve months for St Mirren. The Paisley club lifted the League Cup in December after a 3-1 defeat of Celtic at Hampden, only for the season to unravel slightly after that. Manager Stephen Robinson left for Aberdeen in March, leaving interim boss Craig McLeish to steady the ship. A dramatic Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic followed — St Mirren came back from two goals down to force extra time — but Celtic eventually ran out 6-2 winners and went on to claim the trophy. Then came the Premiership play-off, where McLeish guided his side to a 2-1 aggregate win over Partick Thistle to secure top-flight survival and, with it, the permanent manager's role.

Now the Buddies start the defence of their League Cup title with an away trip to Dumbarton, kicking off at 15:00 BST in Group C. It is exactly the kind of occasion that opens up the possibility of an early shock — holders, on the road, against lower-league opposition with everything to prove. East Kilbride host Dunfermline Athletic in the other Group C game, while Cove Rangers sit this round out.

Dundee Welcome Back Airdrie — Revenge on the Menu

Dundee will not need reminding of Airdrieonians' visit to Dens Park last July. A 1-0 Championship win for Airdrie was a significant contribution to Dundee's failure to get out of the group stage. Steven Pressley's side ultimately had a solid Premiership season and were never seriously dragged into a relegation fight, but that Dens Park defeat still stings.

Almost exactly a year on, Airdrie return to the same ground at 15:00 BST, looking to repeat the feat. Annan Athletic host Ross County in the other Group D fixture — quite a journey for the Highland club — while Clyde have the weekend off.

Dundee United Open Campaign Away at Stirling

Dundee United missed last season's first round entirely, given a bye as a Scottish representative in Europe, before being knocked out in the second round by Kilmarnock. Jim Goodwin's side finished seventh in the Premiership and will be looking to go deeper in this competition. They travel to Stirling Albion in Group B for a 17:30 BST Saturday evening kick-off. Earlier in the day, Arbroath visit Spartans in the same group.

Falkirk Head to the Capital

Falkirk were one of the stories of last season — John McGlynn's side finishing sixth in the Premiership following successive promotions, becoming something of a neutral's favourite in the process. They went through their League Cup group unbeaten before drawing Celtic in round two and losing 4-1 in Glasgow. The Bairns will be hoping for a kinder second-round draw this time around, but first comes their Group G campaign, which begins on Saturday. Stranraer host Ayr United in the other group fixture, with Alloa Athletic sitting out the weekend.

Others Waiting in the Wings

Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, and promoted St Johnstone all begin their group campaigns on Tuesday, 14 July, as does Livingston — who were relegated from the Premiership last season and will be aiming to make their mark in the Championship this term while still competing in the cup.

For those four Premiership sides in action on Saturday, though, the competitive season starts now. The League Cup often throws up surprises in these early rounds, and with holders on the road and a revenge fixture at Dens Park, this weekend already has a bit of bite to it.

FAQs

Frequently asked

Who are the current Scottish League Cup holders?
St Mirren are the current holders, having beaten Celtic 3-1 in the final at Hampden in December to claim the trophy.
When do Aberdeen and Kilmarnock start their Scottish League Cup campaigns?
Both Aberdeen and Kilmarnock begin their Premier Sports Cup group stage fixtures on Tuesday, 14 July.
What is the Premier Sports Cup group stage format?
Scottish clubs are split into groups that include Premiership, Championship, and lower-league sides. Teams play a series of group fixtures before the top sides progress to the knockout rounds.