KILMARNOCK entertain Stranraer in a must-win for them if they want to have a chance of topping their group in the Premier Sports Cup.
Stranraer are the surprise group leaders in the group, although that's largely down to them being awarded a 3-0 home win over Morton and Killie's win at East Kilbride being overturned into a 3-0 defeat.
Regardless, with Clyde away to Morton and on the same number of points as Killie, but two goals better off, Tommy Wright's side will have to go for goals at Rugby Park.
That comment irked Stranraer boss Jamie Hamill – a former Killie player of course – who insisted he will be happy to go toe for toe with his former side as they bid to become the first club from the bottom tier to qualify for the knockout stages since the competition was revamped five years ago.
It ups the stakes from what could have been a dead rubber final group game and it could be an interesting encounter in Ayrshire.
How the bookies view it
Kilmarnock are very strong favourites at 3/10 with McBookie.com. The same firm has Stranraer at 15/2 outsiders with the draw 19/4.
Recent head to heads
It's the first meeting between the sides in 23 years. Killie won 2-0 at Stair Park in a Scottish Cup tie. The last time the sides met in the league was in season 1989/90 and Kilmarnock haven't actually beaten Stranraer at Rugby Park since 1975.
Players to watch
Veteran winger Chris Burke may be 37 now, but he's still arguably the most influential player in the Killie team and managed to score nine goals last season for a relegated Kilmarnock team.
Matt Yates netted the only goal of the game when Stranraer beat East Kilbride and the former Rangers and Hibs kid was the Wigtownshire side's main danger man.
Anything else catch the eye?
Killie were hugely disappointing at home to Morton, but they should really have more than enough about them to put good Tommy Wright's promise of them scoring a few goals against the League Two side, despite Jamie Hamill's protestations.
Stranraer lost at League One Clyde and struggled past non-league East Kilbride. Killie would love them to come and have a go as opposed to the majority of teams who will sit in against the Championship favourites.
Killie should be desperate to get off to a fast start and the 10/11 on them to win half time and full time with Boylesports appeals.
And if they go for it, they should be able to score three goals or more at 6/5 with McBookie.com.
This Scottish League Cup match between Kilmarnock and Stranraer will be played on Jul 24, 2021 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs Stranraer prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
