MX23RW : Sunday, April 28 11:50:28| >> :600:132157:132157:
[monks data]
Livingston logo
Scottish League Cup | Second Round
Aug 19, 2023 at 3pm UK
Tony Macaroni Arena
Ayr United

Livingston
2 - 0
Ayr

Nouble (12'), Montano (64')
Montano (86')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Livingston vs. Ayr United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish League Cup clash between Livingston and Ayr United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

On Saturday, Livingston will go head-to-head with Ayr United for a place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup.

Livingston picked up 10 points to secure their spot in the knockout rounds, while the Championship side racked up 11 points from their four group matches.


Match preview

Livingston's Mikey Devlin and Jason Holt on August 12, 2023© Reuters

Livingston made relatively light work of their group-stage campaign, which began with a commanding 3-0 away victory over Brechin City.

A penalty-shootout defeat to Hamilton Academical in their second match ensured that Livington missed out on a bonus point, but wins over Cove Rangers and Clyde were ultimately enough to help David Martindale's side progress to the last 16.

Since wrapping up the group stage, they have experienced a difficult start to the Scottish Premiership season, picking up just one point from two tricky matches.

A goalless home draw against Aberdeen was followed by a heavy 4-0 defeat to Rangers, who scored three goals in the final 12 minutes of regulation time.

Following a humbling afternoon at Ibrox, Livingston may be looking forward to turning their attention to Saturday's Scottish League Cup tie, where they will be attempting to reach the quarter-finals for the fourth time in five seasons.

Meanwhile, Ayr began their Scottish League Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Stirling Albion, but they managed to win the subsequent penalty shootout to pick up a bonus point.

They went on to edge out Stenhousemuir and St Johnstone, before thrashing third-tier Alloa Athletic 6-0 to round off the group phase in style.

After avoiding consecutive group-stage exits, the Scottish Championship side are now tasked with eliminating top-flight opposition.

Incidentally, Ayr's most recent meeting with Livingston took place at this stage of the Scottish League Cup, and it proved to be a forgettable experience as they fell to a 4-0 defeat.

If they are able to get the better of the side from West Lothian, it would represent Ayr's first quarter-final appearance since the 2018-19 campaign.

Livingston Scottish League Cup form:


Livingston form (all competitions):


Ayr United Scottish League Cup form:


Ayr United form (all competitions):



Team News

Livingston manager David Martindale on August 12, 2023© Reuters

There are doubts surrounding the availability of Bruce Anderson and Scott Pittman, who both missed Livingston's defeat to Rangers through injury.

After being unveiled as a Livingston player last week, Samson Lawal could be included in the matchday squad for Saturday's encounter.

Kurtis Guthrie dropped out of the starting lineup last weekend, but the 30-year-old is in contention to return for the Scottish League Cup tie.

As for the visitors, George Stanger will retain his place in central defence alongside Sean McGinty after the pair helped their side keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle last weekend.

Aiden McGeady, who joined the club this summer, has featured as a substitute for the opening two league games, and the former Celtic winger could be utilised off the bench again as he works his way to full fitness.

Mark McKenzie is expected to resume his forward partnership with young striker Fraser Bryden, who has scored three goals in his four appearances in the Scottish League Cup this season.


Livingston possible starting lineup:
George; De Lucas, Obileye, Devlin; Brandon, Guthrie, Holt, Shinnie, Montano; Kelly, Nouble

Ayr United possible starting lineup:
Albinson; McAllister, Stanger, McGinty, Reading; Amartey, Smith, Dempsey, Ashford; McKenzie, Bryden


SM words green background

We say: Livingston 2-1 Ayr United

Ayr have already picked up a victory against a Scottish Premiership side on their travels this season after beating St Johnstone 2-1 in the group stage of the Scottish League Cup.

However, they have lost their last two matches against Livingston in the competition, and we think that the hosts will do enough to progress to the quarter-finals.



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


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:521468:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11719:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou applauds fans after the match on April 8, 2023
Read Next:
Celtic's Postecoglou, Furuhashi scoop top honours at PFA Scotland awards
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
1Ayr431010
2Stirling431010
3St Johnstone41033
4Stenhousemuir41033
5Alloa41033

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
1Partick32107
2Falkirk32016
3Dundee Utd42026
4Spartans42026
5Peterhead40131

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
1Livingston33009
2Hamilton22006
3Cove Rangers32016
4Brechin41033
5Clyde40040

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
1Ross County33009
2Morton43019
3Kelty Hearts32016
4Stranraer41033
5Edinburgh40040

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
1Airdrieonians440012
2Dundee43019
3Dumbarton31023
4Inverness41033
5Bonnyrigg Rose30030

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
1Kilmarnock33009
2Dunfermline32016
3Raith Rovers22006
4Albion Rovers41033
5Annan40040

Group G

TeamPWDLPTS
1Motherwell33009
2QotS22006
3Queen's Park41124
4East Fife31114
5Elgin40040

Group H

TeamPWDLPTS
1St Mirren43019
2Forfar43019
3Arbroath31023
4Montrose31023
5Cowdenbeath20020


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!