Kilmarnock vs Greenock Morton
20 July 1945hrs
Football – Scotland – League Cup
Pick Kilmarnock to win to nil
Bookmaker Paddy Power
Odds: 5/4 odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 19 July
Kilmarnock and Greenock Morton meet in the group stages of the League Cup on Tuesday with the home team attempting to take control of the section.
Table of Contents
Kilmarnock Preview – Can Killie follow up Saturday’s win with another victory to keep qualification hopes alive?
Tommy Wright could be forgiven for being slightly frustrated even at this early part of the season following the administrative error which led to Kilmarnock having to forfeit their match with East Kilbride, a game they originally won 2-0 but ended up losing 3-0 due to playing an ineligible player. Coming immediately after relegation to the Scottish Championship, it’s not been the most encouraging first six months in charge for Wright but he will be hoping to see things improve.
Killie responded to that by winning 2-1 away to Clyde at the weekend. Goals from Blair Alston and Innes Cameron were enough to give them three points and put them back in with a chance of topping this group which also contains Stranraer who have maximum points from their first two matches. Killie will play that rival at the weekend and hope by getting six points from their next two games will be enough to qualify.
Wright has rebuilt his Kilmarnock squad since losing to Dundee in the relegation play-off at the end of May. There are only a handful of survivors from last season’s group and it’s likely there will be further additions between now and the start of the league season.
Ironically, Kilmarnock will play local rivals Ayr United in that opening league game as they bid to live up to the favourites tag they have in this year’s Championship.
Greenock Morton Preview – Will Morton find their first win and goals of the section?
Gus MacPherson is something of a legend as a Kilmarnock player but he and his team need the points on Tuesday if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout phase. Morton have got two points from their first two matches, which were from a penalty shoot out win over East Kilbride after the game finished goalless.
Morton will complete their group stage against Clyde at the weekend but have to get at least two points from this match to ensure that game will take on any significance as they’re unlikely to amass enough points to finish as one of the best runners up.
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Greenock Morton had their own relegation worries last season, competing in the Championship relegation playoff – comfortably prevailing 4-0 on aggregate against Airdrie.
Staying in the second tier is arguably going to be Morton’s main objective again this season. Alan Lithgow is the marquee signing of the summer thus far and his experience will definitely help them with that objective, settling into defence alongside Brian McLean.
Kilmarnock vs Greenock Morton Betting Advice
Greenock Morton may have played only one game so far but their big issue last season was scoring goals. So drawing a blank against a non-league team does not inspire confidence. Kilmarnock may only be on three points but they have won both games to date and looked to have started the season well.
These two teams will be very familiar with each other come the end of the campaign as they’ll meet four times in the Championship following Kilmarnock’s relegation.
Key Facts – Kilmarnock vs Greenock Morton Betting Tip
- Kilmarnock had to forfeit their first match but won 2-1 away to Clyde to remain in the hunt for top spot
- Morton required penalties to see off Lowland League Club East Kilbride on Saturday (0-0 after penalties)
- Both teams will complete their group stage campaigns on Saturday as they hope to finish top and qualify for the knockout phase
The visitors will be compact and look to frustrate their opponents but Kilmarnock have shown they are capable of unlocking defences scoring five goals in two games. I’m taking them to win without conceding here, setting them up for a big match with Stranraer at the weekend.
Best Betting Odds for Kilmarnock vs Greenock Morton
