Preview: Dundee vs. Airdrieonians - prediction, team news, lineups

Dundee host Airdrieonians as the second round of the Scottish League Cup kicks off this weekend, in a game where goals could be expected.

Both teams have shown their proficiency in front of goal in the early stages of the season, but with a division separating the two sides, the Scottish Premiership hosts should feel confident of progressing.

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Match preview

Dundee have enjoyed a strong start to the season under manager Tony Docherty, drawing 2-2 away at local rivals Dundee United on the opening day courtesy of a late Luke McCowan penalty.

The Dark Blues then followed that up with a convincing 3-1 home victory over Hearts, where another McCowan penalty added to a Scott Tiffoney strike and an own goal from the visitors.

Despite winning three out of their four games in the League Cup last season, Dundee were eliminated in the group stage after finishing second behind this Saturday's opponents.

Dundee were handed a favourable group on paper this season, and duly topped it with four wins from four while scoring 18 goals in the process.

This fine scoring form has also translated to their early league campaign, with Docherty's side scoring an impressive 23 times so far this term; new signing Simon Murray having netted five goals in five appearances.

Goals have not been a problem for Airdrieonians either, with 16 goals scored from their opening six games across league and cup competitions.

Alongside a dramatic 4-3 comeback win away at Dumbarton, their most eye-catching cup result was the 8-0 thrashing of East Kilbride, when Ben Wilson and Lewis McGregor helped themselves to a hat-trick apiece.

However, in terms of their league form the Diamonds come into this game on the back of a 5-0 thumping at the hands of table-topping Ayr United in the Scottish Championship last Friday.

It has been a busy summer for Airdrie on the transfer front with over a dozen new faces coming through the door at the Excelsior Stadium, and so bedding in a fresh crop of players might be causing some early teething issues.

They did however win their opening league game 1-0 against Raith Rovers, where a solitary Dylan MacDonald goal was enough to secure the three points for Rhys McCabe's side.

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Team News

Dundee have no injury concerns heading into this game, but there could be a few potential selection dilemmas with Curtis Main, Finlay Robertson and Ryan Astley pushing for starts on Saturday.

Billy Koumetio could also be in contention for his first start too, with the French defender joining from Liverpool ahead of the victory over Hearts.

Airdrieonians also come into this game with no injury worries, but having lost 5-0 in their last game, McCabe could ring the changes for the trip to Dundee.

If he does opt to rotate, the likes of Aaron Reed, Adam Frizzell and Cameron Bruce could push to start having started on the bench in the defeat to Ayr.

Dundee possible starting lineup: McCracken; Ingram, Portales, McGhee, Koumetio; Sylla, Cameron, McCowan; Palmer-Houlden, Tiffoney, Murray

Airdrieonians possible starting lineup: Johnson; MacDonald, Watson, Wilson, Hancock; Armstrong, McMaster; McGrattan, Frizzell, Aiken; Wilson

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We say: Dundee 3-1 Airdrieonians

It is hard to look past a confident Dundee side who are scoring freely so far this season.

Airdrieonians have also shown an aptitude for scoring, but coming into this game on the back of a hefty defeat might have dented their confidence for the trip to the Scot Foam Stadium.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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