Scottish football's domestic season gets its first real competitive bite this weekend, with the Premier Sports Cup group stage rolling into life on Saturday. Four top-flight clubs are among those in action, and there is already a decent subplot or two worth keeping an eye on before a ball has even been kicked.

Holders St Mirren Begin at Dumbarton

It has been quite a twelve months for St Mirren. They lifted the League Cup in December, beating Celtic 3-1 at Hampden in what felt like a genuine shock at the time. Since then, manager Stephen Robinson departed for Aberdeen in March, interim boss Craig McLeish took the reins, and the Buddies found themselves in a Premiership play-off against Partick Thistle. McLeish guided them to a 2-1 aggregate win to keep them up and earned himself the job on a permanent basis in the process.

The defence of the cup begins away at Dumbarton on Saturday (15:00 BST), a fixture that doubles as a reminder of just how far St Mirren have come — and how precarious last season turned out to be despite the trophy in the cabinet. In the same Group C, East Kilbride host Dunfermline Athletic, who reached the Scottish Cup final.

Dundee Welcome Back Airdrie With a Point to Prove

Dundee failed to get out of the group stage last season, and one of the key reasons was Airdrieonians' 1-0 win at Dens Park. Almost exactly a year on, Championship side Airdrie return to Dens on Saturday afternoon (15:00 BST) looking to repeat the trick. Steven Pressley's side had a solid Premiership campaign after that result and were never seriously threatened by relegation, so they will arrive with confidence rather than caution.

Annan Athletic host Ross County in the other Group D fixture — a considerable journey for the Dingwall side — while Clyde sit this round out.

United Head to Stirling in the Evening Kick-Off

Dundee United take their place in Group B with an away trip to Stirling Albion (17:30 BST). Last season United were handed a bye in the first round due to their European commitments, before being knocked out in the second round by Kilmarnock. Jim Goodwin's side finished seventh in the Premiership, and while the cup offers an early chance to build some momentum, the journey to Stirling is a brisk introduction to a new campaign. Arbroath's visit to Spartans is the other Group B match on Saturday.

Falkirk Head to the Capital

Falkirk were one of the stories of last season, finishing sixth in the Premiership following successive promotions. John McGlynn's side went through their group unbeaten in last season's competition before drawing Celtic in round two and losing 4-1 in Glasgow. The Bairns start this year's group campaign in Edinburgh on Saturday. Stranraer host Ayr United in the other Group G fixture, with Alloa Athletic not involved this weekend.

Several Sides Must Wait Until Tuesday

Not every top-flight club gets going at the weekend. Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, and promoted St Johnstone all begin their group campaigns on Tuesday, 14 July. Livingston, who were relegated from the Premiership, also start on the same date in Group E.

For supporters who have watched the World Cup wind down without Scotland still involved, the return of competitive domestic football on a Saturday afternoon — Dens Park, Recreation Park, Forthbank — will feel like a welcome reorientation. Scottish football's domestic season is here, whether you are ready for it or not.

Frequently asked

When does the Scottish League Cup group stage start in 2025-26?
The group stage of the Premier Sports Cup gets under way on Saturday, 12 July 2025, with further fixtures following on Tuesday, 14 July.
Who are the current Scottish League Cup holders?
St Mirren are the holders after beating Celtic 3-1 at Hampden in December 2024. They begin the defence of their trophy away to Dumbarton.
Which Scottish Premiership clubs are in the League Cup group stage this weekend?
St Mirren, Dundee, Dundee United and Falkirk are the four Premiership sides in action on Saturday. Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone begin their campaigns on Tuesday, 14 July.