THE new-look Betfred Cup launched last night and results proved betting on early games must be done for low stakes.
Favourites Partick Thistle and Raith beat lowly opposition by one goal away from home while Dundee United were held at Arbroath but won a penalty shoot-out for a bonus point.
As was the case last night all the favourites are away from home so that makes it a banana skin as there's bound to be a couple of shocks at this early stage of the season.
Tie of the round sees Premiership new boys Rangers head to Motherwell – the scene of their chaotic play-off defeat two seasons ago.
Joey Barton, the most-talked about signing of the summer, won't feature in the Group F tie which is live on BT Sport 1 but plenty of Rangers' new boys will start.
The two top-flight sides look certs to finish first and second with Stranraer, Annan and non-league East Stirling making up the section.
A draw would suit both but if it ends all square there will be a penalty shoot-out with the winners receiving a bonus point.
Ring rust will play a huge factor here but while Mark Warburton's men seem better prepared they've played just one warm-up game in the States.
Well have played five games, losing three of them, and I'm backing Rangers at 10-11 with Betfred while Well are 3-1 and the draw pays 3-1 at bet365.
Mark Warburton's Gers conceded 12 in the final six games last season so consider both teams to score at 8-13.
Dundee should be in the goals at East Fife having kept hold of star strikers Kane Hemmings and Greg Stewart but the latter is a major injury doubt. Take Hemmings to net if you see a price in the morning.
League Cup holders Ross County are backable on accumulators at 3-10 with Betfred at Montrose. A super Saturday treble on Rangers, Ross County and Dundee returns 5-2 with Betfred.
Inverness Caley Thistle start the Richie Foran era at Cowdenbeath and it's never an easy place to go. Foran's seen a lot of comings and goings so I'm giving them a miss at 4-11 with Ladbrokes.
St Johnstone missed out on a Europa League campaign but that may be a blessing in disguise for Tommy Wright's men who instead launch their campaign at Elgin and they are also 4-11 at Ladbrokes.
Wright has signed Blair Alston from Falkirk and Paul Paton from Dundee Utd and they should top a table that includes Falkirk, Brechin and Stirling.
One of the best bets today could be St Mirren, who finished the season so well under Alex Rae, at Livingston. The Buddies are 23-20 at bet365.
Minnows looking to make an impression include Barry Ferguson's Clyde against a Killie side who have a whole new team. Clyde are 11-2 at Betfred.
Championship new boys Ayr will be eyeing the scalp of Premiership Hamilton and Ian McCall's men are a best 15-4 at bet365.
Bets to Consider
St Mirren
(23-20, bet365)
Rangers, Ross County, Dundee
(5-2, Betfred)
Both to Score Treble
Annan v Stranraer
Forfar v Dumbarton
Motherwell v Rangers
(7-2, bet365)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
*most talking ? I’ve bn following Barton on twitter for past few yrs and think he’s quite funny, adding hype to 1st auld firm in September
Craig Alves, it will be extremely hyped. Wonder how long it will before he has to close down his Twitter.