One would imagine that the League Cup would not be highest on the list of priorities for Scotland’s leading clubs but both holders Celtic, who play Partick Thistle, and Rangers, who travel to Livingston, both have the strength-in-depth to play strong sides in the quarter-finals.
Premiership sides Hearts, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hibernian have also reached the last eight so maybe teams are treating the competition more seriously than would be imagined considering the quest to capture the first trophy of the season begins in July.
Scottish League Cup Outright Winner Betting
 |
 |
 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtic | 10/11 | Evens | 4/5 | |
| Rangers | 11/5 | 9/4 | 11/5 | |
| Aberdeen | 14/1 | 14/1 | 14/1 | |
| Hibernian | 12/1 | 11/1 | 12/1 | |
| Kilmarnock | 14/1 | 14/1 | 16/1 | |
| Hearts | 12/1 | 12/1 | 12/1 | |
| Livingston | 33/1 | 33/1 | 50/1 | |
| Partick Thistle | 80/1 | 50/1 | 80/1 |
(Odds correct at 2.30pm September 24)
Livington Form and Team News
After a nine-match unbeaten run, Livingston were brought down to earth by a 3-1 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox 11 days ago. Bubble burst, they also lost 2-0 at home to Aberdeen last Saturday in the Premiership so Gary Holt will have spent the intervening days restoring confidence.
That said, Livi did more than enough to beat the Dons at the Tony Macaroni Arena with home keeper Ross Stewart having little to do but pick the ball out of his net. Jon Guthrie and Chris Erskine both missed good opportunities to punish their injury-hit opponents and Scott Robinson also went close. That trio will all be determined to make amends against Rangers having certainly caused the problems for Steven Gerrard’s men in the league earlier this month.
Rangers Form and Team News
The Gers will definitely rotate their squad for this quarter-final tie.
The Glasgow side have only had to win one match to make it through to the last eight but are likely give minutes to fringe players with Aberdeen and Young Boys coming up in the next eight days. Alfredo Morelos will almost certainly be rested in favour of Jermaine Defoe on Livi’s artificial pitch. Greg Stewart could make a rare appearance with Ryan Kent and Jordan Jones both out injured and Nikola Katic could return after missing the last two games. Connor Goldson could be the one to make way, though the manager will be reluctant to break up his blossoming partnership with Filip Helander given Rangers have kept clean sheets in their last two matches and only lost once all season in all competitions.
Livingston v Rangers Head-to-Heads
Livingston have lost just one of their last five home matches against Rangers in all competitions, though that was their most recent meeting in January. They also lost 3-1 at Ibrox 11 days ago, despite playing well. Rangers have now scored three times in their last three meetings with Livi, home and away.
Livingston v Rangers Best Match Odds
Livingston 8/1, Draw 39/10, Rangers 19/50 (Odds correct at 2.30pm September 24)
Livingston v Rangers Predictions
If Rangers do field a weakened side, the door opens slightly for Livingston as Gary Holt’s team have been performing above expectations this term. It may take a while for the Gers’ second string to get to grips with the pitch so Bet365’s markets are worth a second look. Rangers’ forwards may have too much movement for the home defence so should find the net more than once.
