Falkirk begin their new season with a trip to Glebe Park to take on Highland League side Brechin City on Saturday afternoon in Group A in the Scottish League Cup.
It’s been a memorable past couple of years for John McGlynn’s side, as firstly, they finally put an end to their four-year stint in the Scottish third tier by winning the Scottish League One title in the 2023/24 season.
The Bairns then made it consecutive promotions, as they won the Scottish Championship title on the final day of the season, meaning they return to the Scottish top flight for the first time in 15 years.
After suffering three relegations in four years between 2017/18 and 2020/21, Brechin City still remain outside of the SPFL and in the Highland League.
Ray McKinnon’s side will hope for better fortune in the Highland League this season, as they finished in second place behind Buckie Thistle only on goal difference.
How the bookies view it: Falkirk clear favourites
Unsurprisingly, Falkirk come into this clash as clear favourites to claim all three points, with BoyleSports pricing them at just 1/11 to get all three points.
A shock victory for Brechin is a massive 18/1 with the same firm, whilst the draw is 15/2.
Head to head: The Bairns fare well against Brechin
These two clubs have not crossed paths since both were in the Championship in the 2017/18 season, where Falkirk won three and drew one of their matches against Brechin that season.
Players to watch: Scotty to strike again?
Scott Arfield was an instant success since coming back to his second spell at The Bairns in January, with his nine goals helping seal the Championship title. The ex-Rangers man also scored the only goal in their recent 1-0 friendly victory at St Johnstone on Tuesday night, and appeals to me to get on the scoresheet here.
Predicted line-ups:
Brechin City had no fewer than five trialists in their starting 11 against Brechin Victoria in midweek, but manager Ray McKinnon may go for a similar lineup to the one that started against Dundee last week, with ex-Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan leading the line.
Falkirk have bolstered their forward options by signing veteran forward Brian Graham from Partick Thistle this summer, and he could make his competitive debut here.
Brechin City: Matthews, Spark, Taylor, Sweeney, Hutchinson, McKay, Ferguson, Macleod, Armour, Klimionek, Sheridan
Falkirk: Hogarth, Adams, McCann, Henderson, Spencer, Maciver, Agyeman, Neilson, Oliver, Arfield, Graham
Anything else catch the eye?
Falkirk are expected to cruise to victory here, which is reflected in the prices, with The Bairns just 4/6 to score three or more goals at Glebe Park on Saturday.
Hearts scored four here in the Scottish Cup in January, so opting for Falkirk to score Over 3.5 Goals, which pays 6/4 at BoyleSports, is perhaps the best option.
Brechin did score in that defeat against The Jambos in the Scottish Cup – as well as scoring against then-Premiership side St Johnstone in the League Cup last July – so backing Both Teams to Score at a chunky 13/10 at BoyleSports is an alternative selection.
GambleAware