The Betfred Cup group stages will come to a close on Sunday and it's all to play for at Dens Park when Dundee entertain Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Both teams are level on points at the top of Group D so a win here for either side would send them into the draw for the last 16 which will take place at the conclusion of this cup clash.
The bookmakers are expecting a closely fought battle with a Dundee win on offer at 11/8 (Bet 365) whereas an away win for Inverness is available at 9/4 (Betway)
A draw in 90 minutes would not determine who tops the group but the bonus point that is on offer for winning the subsequent penalty shoot-out would see one side progress to the knockout stages so if you fancy a dramatic finish to Group D then the draw can be backed at 15/8 (Bet 365)
Dundee will not be fazed by the prospect of penalty kicks having won two shoot-outs during their last two Betfred battles against Cove Rangers and Peterhead respectively.
Yet, despite being proficient in taking penalties the Dee have somewhat struggled to score goals from open play having not done so since mactday one when they romped to a 3-0 win away to Raith Rovers.
Consequently, Dundee boss James McPake has made it known that he wants to add firepower to his frontline and he has since pulled off a coup by completing the signing of former Motherwell striker Danny Johnson.
The English forward reportedly had options to remain in the top-tier after scoring eight goals in 28 appearances for the Steelmen last season and goes straight into the Dundee squad for this clash with Caley Thistle.
Johnson is a natural goalscorer and could make an immediate impact against an Inverness backline that was breached twice on Tuesday night by another goal-getter in the shape of Cove Rangers hit-man Mitch Megginson
Should Johnson make his Dark Blues bow by starting this Group D decider then he looks overpriced at 6/1 (Bet 365) to be the first goalscorer.
As appealing as those odds may be I would be more inclined to opt for the safer option of backing Johnson to score anytime at 19/10 (McBookie)
Scoring goals is something Inverness have done freely in their last two fixtures having done so no fewer than seven times.
The Highlanders have a nice variety of attacking options including Jordan White, James Keatings and Nikolay Todorov – all of whom were on target last time out.
However, John Robertson's men have conceded three goals in their last two games in matches that have seen both teems score so a repeat of that in the City of Discovery is feasible – but the 8/13 (Bet 365) on offer is not very enticing.
However, there is an alternative angle that I like the look of that combines an Inverness goal and bookings.
Caley are more than capable in front of goal but they are also a big, strong and powerful outfit and given what's at stake here then that could point towards cards being dished out at Dens.
What's more the Caley Jags clocked up a number bookings during last seasons Championship campaign and that along with their aforementioned attacking options makes the 21/20 (McBookie) on offer for Inverness Over 0.5 Goals and Over 1.5 Inverness cards an attractive option to contemplate.
In considering which individuals could end up in the referees notebook Charlie Trafford appeals at 13/8 (Bet 365) after racking up nine cards in 24 league appearances last season – however he only started 16 of those games and could be a substitute again on Sunday
Alternatively, centre-half Brad McKay to be booked at 12/5 (Bet 365) could be worth a flutter should he fill in at right-back for the injured Shaun Rooney.
In terms of separating the sides this is a tough one to call and I'm expecting a tight encounter.
Inverness were the countries draw specialists last season after playing out 14 matches that finished all square – a similar outcome wouldn't come as a surprise on Sunday afternoon.
This Scottish League Cup match between Dundee and Inverness Caledonian Thistle will be played on Jul 28, 2019 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Dundee vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
