CELTIC are massive odds-on favourites to win the League Cup after Rangers' shock defeat at Falkirk on Wednesday night.
Neil Lennon's men have been handed a tie at Hibs on October 25 or 26 and it's one they should win. Celtic did just enough to see off Ross County 2-0 in Dingwall and avenge last year's Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to the First Division men.
Falkirk created the biggest surprise of the season by knocking out Ally McCoist's holders and their reward is a trip to Dundee United. That's a tough one and you've got to fancy United with home advantage.
Their were surprises galore in the last-16 ties with bodog-sponsored Ayr adding the scalp of Hearts to that of Inverness taken earlier in the campaign.
The Honest Men will need to knock out a third SPL side in the shape of St Mirren to progress. Unfortunately for Ayr the game is in Paisley so the odds are stacked against the First Division giantkillers.
Second Division strugglers East Fife are the lowest ranked survivors but there on merit after winning at Aberdeen on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
They have another away tie at Kilmarnock and although they'll go to Rugby Park I can't see the John Robertson's men repeating their success.
With Rangers out of the way, St Mirren, Dundee United and Killie will fancy their chances of a cup final appearance, probably against Celtic, and I can't see them slipping up against lower-league outfits despite what's happened in the tournament so far this season.
Celtic are now 6-1 with William Hill to win the Treble and 11-4 for the SPL and League Cup and 6-4 for both cups. Rangers are 4-1 for the Double.
League Cup draw
St Mirren v Ayr Utd
Dundee Utd v Falkirk
Hibs v Celtic
Kilmarnock v East Fife
Ties to be played October 25, 26
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.
