What are the games to look out for in the Scottish League Cup?

While the World Cup may still be ongoing, it is becoming a distant memory for Scottish football supporters.

Scotland's early exit means attention started to turn to domestic matters and, fortunately for fans, there are some competitive games to look forward to as early as Saturday.

The first-round group stages of the Premier Sports Cup get going this weekend, with four Scottish Premiership teams in action.

Here are some of the games to look out for.

Last season was somewhat of a rollercoaster for tournament holders St Mirren.

The Paisley side won the trophy in December, defeating favourites Celtic 3-1 at Hampden.

Manager Stephen Robinson subsequently joined Aberdeen in March and interim boss Craig McLeish took over for the Buddies' remaining season 2025-26 fixtures.

A re-match with Celtic at Hampden ensued in the Scottish Cup semi-final and St Mirren came back from two down to force extra-time but a burst of goals secured eventual competition winners Celtic a 6-2 win.

Focus turned to Premiership survival, a battle that went right through to the play-off final.

McLeish secured a 2-1 aggregate win over Partick Thistle and ultimately the manager's job on a permanent basis.

St Mirren start the defence of their League Cup away to Dumbarton (15:00 BST) while East Kilbride host Scottish Cup finalists Dunfermline Athletic in the other Group C fixture. Cove Rangers are inactive in this round of fixtures.

Dundee did not get out of the group stage last season and Airdrieonians' 1-0 win at Dens Park was one of the reasons why.

Steven Pressley's side went on to have a pretty solid Premiership campaign and were never really in any relegation trouble.

On Saturday, almost exactly a year to the day of their last visit, Championship Airdrie will return to Dens Park seeking another upset (15:00).

Annan Athletic host Ross County - quite a road trip for the visitors - in the other Group D match, while Clyde sit this weekend out.

In the evening kick-off, Dundee United are away to Stirling Albion (17:30) in Group B. Earlier in the day, Arbroath visit Spartans.

Last season, United, as a Scottish representative in Europe, were given a bye in the first round and were knocked out in the second by Kilmarnock.

Jim Goodwin's side finished seventh in the Premiership.

Falkirk were one of the most talked about sides in last season's Premiership, John McGlynn's side finishing sixth in the top flight after successive promotions.

Last term, the Bairns sailed through their group unbeaten.

However, they drew Celtic in round two and lost 4-1 in Glasgow.

Elsewhere in Group G, Stranraer host Ayr United with Alloa Athletic not in action this weekend.

Aberdeen (Group A), Kilmarnock (Group H) and promoted St Johnstone (Group F) all have to wait until Tuesday, 14 July to start their group campaigns.

Group E side Livingston, who were relegated from the Premiership, also start on 14 July.