BETTING interest for Scottish League Premier Sports Cup action is peaking with the final group stage matches coming up this weekend.
It features the 37 Scottish Professional Football League clubs who are not participating in European competitions.
In addition, Non-League interest involves Brora Rangers (Highland League champions), Brechin City (Highland League runners-up) and Linlithgow Rose (Lowland League champions).
There is plenty to play for because the eight group winners and three best runners-up will progress to the Second Round.
They will then joined by the five teams competing in those European competitions – Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian – as the traditional knock-out stage commences on the weekend of 15th/16th August. Looking ahead, the Final is scheduled for Sunday 13th December.
Here are the upcoming pairings I am anticipating most alongside my considered score predictions to assist your football betting…
Saturday 25th July 2026
Group A
Aberdeen v Kelty Hearts
- Pittodrie Stadium
- Kick-off: 3pm
Aberdeen current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Top of Group A on three wins from three. I vividly recall when Aberdeen were the best team in Scotland under then up and coming young manager Alex Ferguson during the 1980’s.
They won three league titles as well as beating Real Madrid 2-1 after extra-time in a memorable 1982/83 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final.
Kelty Hearts current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Five points across three games including one bonus point for the penalty shoot-out victory at Queen of the South following a 1-1 draw. Kelty have only been members of the SPFL since 2021.
Score prediction: Aberdeen ascendency 4-1.
Group B
Montrose v The Spartans
Montrose current form in the Premier Sports Cup: League One underdogs Montrose are excelling themselves so far accruing three straight victories without conceding a goal.
I was particularly impressed by the 1-0 home success over Dundee United where Graham Webster netted the vital strike. A point on Saturday will make them group winners.
The Spartans current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Three successive defeats thereby sitting bottom of the group. Commencing just their fourth season in SPFL ranks.
Score prediction: Montrose magic 2-0.
Group D
Dundee v Clyde
Dundee current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Second and a point behind Ross County with seven points. That extra point reflects Ross County’s 7-6 triumph on penalties against Dundee after their 1-1 draw at the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall.
Clyde current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Still in contention holding six points due to home victories versus Annan Athletic and Airdrieonians.
Score prediction: Tense 1-1.
Group F
St. Johnstone v East Fife
- McDiarmid Park
- Kick-off: 3pm
St. Johnstone current form in the Premier Sports Cup: A single goal reverse away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Tuesday evening leaves the Saints third – one point below Saturday’s visitors.
East Fife current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Having struggled in 2025/26 League One combat, East Fife are surprising me by notching up two wins and a draw in their ongoing Premier Sports Cup assault.
Score prediction: Fifers fantastic 2-1.
Group G
Falkirk v Stranraer
- The Falkirk Stadium
- Kick-off: 3pm
Falkirk current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Disappointingly hovering third. The 1-0 home setback versus group leaders Ayr United looks particularly costly. So boss John McGlynn said: “We’ve got to be a bit hungrier and a bit braver.”
Stranraer current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Merely one point on the board which came in their 2-2 result at Alloa Athletic last Saturday.
Score prediction: Drab 0-0.
Sunday 26th July 2026
Group C
St. Mirren v Dunfermline Athletic
- The SMISA Stadium
- Kick-off: 3pm
St Mirren current form in the Premier Sports Cup: Nicely ticking along amassing three consecutive victories whilst scoring four times in each game.
Dunfermline Athletic current form in the Premier Sports Cup: The Pars have recovered from their opening 3-0 defeat at East Kilbride to stick nine goals past Dumbarton (4-1) and Cove Rangers (5-0) capping exhilarating home performances.
Score prediction: Dynamic 4-4.
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
