Betfred Cup MD1: Four to watch

Here are four games to look out for…

Kilmarnock v St Mirren – Friday
The first match of the new season is live on BT Sport, kick-off 7.45pm, and is an intriguing all-Premiership encounter between two recent League Cup winners. Killie lifted the trophy in 2011/12 and Saints got their hands on the silverware a year later.

Airdrieonians v Livingston – Saturday
Kenny Miller takes charge of Livi for the first time in a competitive game, having been appointed as David Hopkin’s replacement in a player/manager role. Airdrie have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they bid to mount a League 1 promotion push under Stevie Findlay.

Ayr United v Morton – Saturday
With no Premiership clubs in Group E this is a key game in a section that also includes Partick Thistle, Stenhousemuir and Albion Rovers. It’s an all-Championship encounter at Somerset Park and the visitors have a new manager, with Ray McKinnon having replaced Jim Duffy.

Dundee United v Arbroath – Saturday
These sides met in the very first Betfred Cup group stage game at Gayfield two years ago and it went to a penalty shoot-out. United are bidding to recover from the disappointment of defeat to Livingston in the play-offs against an Arbroath team still managed by wily boss Dick Campbell.