Airdrieonians v Livingston
Airdrie were hit for six the last time they stepped on to their own pitch. That league defeat by Rangers was a painful experience but one which may well be salved by a more convincing display in the League Cup, with Livingston visiting the Excelsior Stadium this evening. The home side are without the suspended Chris O'Neill through suspension and John Boyle, who has a knee injury, but can be emboldened, too, by the absence of Marc McNulty from the Livingston team, after the prolific striker hobbled off at the weekend to join a lengthy list of absentees which includes Mike Mumpaya, Mark Burchill, Burton O'Brien, Stefan Scougall and Jack Beaumont.
Dundee v Forfar Athletic
These two clubs have already met in a cup competition this season. It is not a good portent for Forfar, after they were eased out of Ramsdens Cup last week. The SPFL League 1 side will be aware that their hosts are not infallible, though, and will take heart from knowing that Kyle Benedictus and Iain Davidson are expected to sit out this cup tie, alongside Nicky Riley and Stephen O'Donnell. Forfar can recall Darren Dods, but a side which has suffered three defeats in their last four matches will be wary of the impact the absence of Mark McCulloch and Keith Gibson might have.
Falkirk v Dunfermline Athletic
The derby between these clubs can often seem artificial, but only before you are treated to the natural intensity that the tie fosters. This is the 99th meeting between the sides, although the more pertinent statistic for Dunfermline might be that they have won all four of the meetings in the League Cup. Their chances of making it five have also been aided by the return of Chris Kane after the youngster served a one-match suspension in the league. There is much less positive news for their rivals - Jonny Flynn missing out once more and likely to be given company on the sidelines by Jay Fulton. Falkirk are still undefeated in six matches thus far this season, though, and with that comes the confidence to exert themselves against a side now one division below.
Morton v Montrose
Any suggestion that Morton will seek to make Cappielow a fortress this season seems timely given that their defences have been far from formidable thus far. They crumbled at the weekend away to Dumbarton - the part-time side scoring three times in a comfortable win - and those defensive problems have given Allan Moore pause this week. He has not been idle in finding a way to rectify it, though, and Jonathan Page will be given his first start of the campaign. The central defender arrived from Hamilton Academical in the summer and has had to be patient before getting his chance to impress - it has come in the League Cup against League 2 opposition Montrose, a side which will arrive in Greenock tonight with plenty of confidence after scoring late on to secure a dramatic draw with Berwick Rangers on Saturday. The visitors are without Paul Watson, who is suspended, and goalkeeper Sandy Wood, who has a hip problem.
Stranraer v Ross County
Derek Adams, the County manager, made the 500-mile round trip to watch Stranraer in action last week. It informed an assiduous preparation for tonight's cup tie and also struck Stephen Aitken, the Stranraer manager, who has responded by beseeching his players not to let the Dingwall side settle in too easily. Aitken is boosted by the return of brother, Chris, to his midfield.
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