Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Scottish League Cup clash between Ross County and Stirling Albion, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Scottish Premiership outfit Ross County will welcome fourth-tier Stirling Albion to the Global Energy Stadium for Saturday’s Scottish League Cup clash.
The hosts will head into the final group game in top spot, while the visitors will enter the weekend in fourth position.
Match preview
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Ross County have showcased their top-flight quality to kick off their League Cup campaign with three consecutive victories.
They got up and running with a 3-1 away win over Stranraer, before they went on to record a narrow 2-1 home victory against Raith Rovers.
The Staggies then fought back from a goal down to claim another 2-1 win in Tuesday’s away game against Hamilton Academical thanks to efforts from Ronan Hale and Jordan White.
Having collected maximum points from their three matches, Ross County are sitting in top spot with three points separating them from Raith Rovers in second place, leaving them well set to reach the knockout rounds for the second consecutive season.
Ross County will fancy their chances of claiming another win on Saturday, having won five of their previous seven meetings with Stirling Albion.
Meanwhile, Stirling Albion require a miracle to reach the Scottish League Cup knockout rounds for the second year in a row.
Stirling Albion, who were relegated from League One last season, began their League Cup campaign with a heavy 3-0 home defeat to Raith Rovers, before they collected two points against Hamilton Academical courtesy of a goalless draw and a penalty shootout win in their
Alan Maybury‘s side were involved in another penalty shootout in midweek after giving up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in their home meeting with Stranraer.
They went on to win the shootout 4-2 to clinch a bonus point and take their tally to four points, leaving them behind Hamilton on goal difference and two points adrift of second-placed Raith Rovers.
It seems highly likely that Stirling Albion will miss out on a last-16 spot, but they will still be motivated to beat Ross County in a competitive game for the first time since February 2000.
Ross County Scottish League Cup form:
Stirling Albion Scottish League Cup form:
Team News
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Ross County are still expected to be without the services of defender Will Nightingale and midfielder Max Sheaf due to injury.
Victor Loturi dropped down to the bench against Hamilton, but after featuring as a half-time substitute he could be now recalled to the starting lineup.
Jack Grieves could provide an option off the bench, having recently arrived on a season-long loan deal from Watford.
As for Stirling Albion, defender Sam Denham is set to miss a second consecutive game with an injury he sustained against Hamilton.
Baily Dall, who recently arrived online from Hearta, is expected to retain his place after making his debut in the midweek meeting with Stranraer.
Ross County possible starting lineup:
Hamilton; Brown, Wright, Leak; Efete, Randall, Loturi, Reid; Hale, Samuel, White
Stirling Albion possible starting lineup:
Gaston; McGeachie, Sula, Waugh, Dall; Crane, Ewen, McKinley, Wright; Weir; Roy
We say: Ross County 2-0 Stirling Albion
Ross County have dispatched all three of their previous opponents in Group H, and we think they will produce another strong display to maintain their 100% record and secure a spot in the last 16 of the League Cup.
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