LIVINGSTON have lacked their trademark resilience so far in the Premier Sports Cup and face being knocked out in the group stage if they crash on the road at Cove Rangers.
It looked like David Martindale's men would coast to victory in their opener at Albion Rovers when they raced 3-0 ahead only for the Lions to cling on for a 3-2 victory after conceding twice.
That sloppy defending saw me back BTTS and over 2.5 goals for their next game against Inverness and both landed as Caley Thistle claimed a 2-1 win at the Tony Macaroni (below).
A red card for keeper Max Stryjek didn't help and he will now be missing when Livingston head north to face the Championship new boys.
League One champions Cove suffered a blow in the summer when boss Paul Hartley quit for Hartlepool after guiding the club to two promotions.
But Jim McIntyre looks to be a shrewd replacement and actually lifted this trophy back in 2016 when he led Ross County to a famous triumph.
His reign began with a 2-1 win at Albion Rovers in midweek and McIntyre will be looking to keep the momentum going when the Lions head to Balmoral Stadium.
How the bookies view it
Despite their poor form so far in the group, Livingston are odds-on favourites for this one at a best 3/4 with BoyleSports. Cove Rangers look overpriced at 10/3 with Betfair while the draw pays 3/1 at Betway and shouldn't be ruled out.
Head to head
These sides have never faced off in a competitive game which isn't too much of a surprise given Cove only joined the SPFL in 2019 and Livingston have only been around since 1995.
Players to watch
Fraser Fyvie scored 13 times from midfield last term and the former Aberdeen starlet has revitalised his career at Cove. He's 11/4 with McBookie for anytime scorer.
Josh Mullin delivered for me last weekend when I tipped him for anytime scorer in Livingston's clash with Albion Rovers. The winger was benched for the loss to Inverness but should return for this one and looks overpriced at 3/1 with McBookie to score.
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals have been guaranteed at both ends so far with Livi in the group and it was the same story for Cove when they won at Albion Rovers. That suggests this could be a thriller and over 2.5 goals pays just 8/11 with SpreadEx. Both teams to score isn't any better at 13/19 with VBet but combining both those bets pays evens at Bet365.
It promises to be a tight game and that makes the half-time draw a good option at 13/10 with McBookie while backing most goals to come after the break pays 21/20 at the same firm.
This Scottish League Cup match between Cove Rangers and Livingston will be played on Jul 16, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Cove Rangers vs Livingston prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
