Match Preview: Ross County vs Hibernian
League one side Ross County host Premiership outfit Hibs with a spot at Hampden up for grabs. Ross County hold a respectable home record against their Saturday opponents. The Staggies are unbeaten in their last five home meetings with Hibernian, one win and four draws, with the most recent one coming in January 2025, in a 1-1 draw. Current Motherwell midfielder Levitt opening the scoring towards the tail end of the first period, but his strike was cancelled out on 87 minutes by a strike from Hale, who went on to finish the season on twelve Premiership goals, eighteen in total across the campaign. The sides met two more times across the 2024/25 campaign, which was a season which saw County relegated to the Championship. In December 2024, Hibernian beat County 3-1 at Easter Road, courtesy of goals from Gayle, Youan and Campbell. And in the first meeting between the sides in 2024/25, the game finished in a score draw in Dingwall. The last time County played at the National Stadium was back in 2016, in the same competition, against the same opponent. The Staggies beat the Hibees 2-1 in the League Cup final courtesy of a last minute winner from Schalk. A memorable day out for the Ross County support, who will be keen to get back to Hampden to have more moments like that. Hibs’ last match at Hampden Park was less memorable to say the least. The Edinburgh outfit lost 1-0 to an Aberdeen side who were reduced to ten men just moments before Miovski netted to book Aberdeen’s spot in the League Cup final. County come into this fixture off the back of a disappointing midweek defeat at the hands of Aberdeen B, losing narrowly in a seven-goal thriller, however, Kettlewell did make eleven changes to the side that drew to East Fife three days prior. Despite drawing in their last league game, County still sit in a healthy position in League One. The Dingwall outfit sit second, four points ahead of Alloa Athletic and Montrose who sit third and fourth respectively and three points behind league leaders Hamilton Academical, while having played a game less than all teams mentioned. Hibernian come into this cup tie off the back of back-to-back Premiership defeats, the first of which coming at the hands of city rivals Heart of Midlothian at Easter Road, and the second coming against newly promoted St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. David Gray’s side sit eighth, on six points, after five games, but do have games in hand over St Johnstone and Dundee, who both sit one point ahead of them. Following the start to the campaign, Saturday’s cup tie is a huge match for David Gray, with pressure mounting.
Talking Points: Aberdeen 0-0 Kilmarnock
Five talking points from Aberdeen vs Kilmarnock as the points are shared at Pittodrie. Pressure building on Robinson? Boos rang round Pittodrie at the midway point of the match and louder boos were audible following the full time whistle. The Dons were held by Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon, and it is safe to say the supporters let their frustration be known. Stephen Robinson’s side are yet to score an open play goal in the league after five matches, and have now gone four consecutive league games without scoring a goal, which is very concerning, and has become the final straw for a lot of Aberdeen supporters, which was clear to hear. Killie stop the rot. After a dismal start to their 2026/27 Premiership campaign, Neil McCann’s men picked up their first Premiership point at Pittodrie, and it was the least that they deserved. If it wasn’t for an inspired performance from Aberdeen keeper Muller, Kilmarnock would have their first win of the league campaign, however, despite not picking up all three points, Neil McCann can take plenty of positives going into another meeting against the same opponents on Saturday evening, one of which being keeping a clean sheet. The Ayrshire outfit conceded fourteen goals in their first four Premiership matches, so a clean sheet will be a relief for the Kilmarnock defenders. Magnificent Muller. Aberdeen have Muller to thank for getting a point on the board from that performance. The German made some magnificent saves throughout the ninety minutes, with the standout save coming in the second-half, where he made himself big to deny Kiltie from close range. The shot-stopper is one of the very few Aberdeen players who can hold his head high after Saturday. Killie struggling to find the net. Despite a much more encouraging performance from Kilmarnock, just like Aberdeen, they have failed to find the net in their last three matches, against Dundee United, St Mirren and most recently, Aberdeen. Although they had the better of the opportunities on Saturday, besides that Kiltie chance at the back post, they didn’t really create anything clear cut. Ultimately, it was a much improved display from Killie, but the fact of the matter is that they still sit bottom, without a goal scored in their last three, however, they did show enough at Pittodrie to show that they are capable of getting themselves out of the mess they find themselves in. Lack of intent. Throughout the match on Saturday afternoon, there was an evident lack of urgency to Aberdeen’s play. When they received the ball, they would take too many touches – slowing the game down, they played a lot of hopeful balls up the pitch – which were easily dealt with by Kilmarnock, took little to no risks in possession – taking the easy option, and when the attackers did receive the ball, they showed no quality on it, which is backed up by the fact that three of the front four were taken off at half-time.
Match Report: Livingston 0-1 Stenhousemuir
Marvin Bartley enjoys winning return to Almondvale as Stenny’s dream start continues. After 8 minutes, Livingston believed that they should have had a penalty as Grant appeared to have handled the ball in an unnatural position, however, it was waved away by the referee, and in the following phase of play, Anderson had a free header inside the Stenhousemuir box, but the striker’s header was too central and as a result was easily saved by Jamieson. Moments later Kabongolo won the ball back and played a ball over the top into the path of Anderson, who found Palmer, whose first time, side footed effort from outside the area went wide. After a strong start from the hosts, it was the visitors who hit the front. Kabongolo’s pass was intercepted high up the pitch and eventually into Anderson’s path, who then found Shinnie, who made no mistake with the finish, confidently slotting the ball past Prior at his near post. With just over 15 minutes until first half stoppage time, another Livingston penalty appeal was waved away, this time for a shirt pull inside the area, much to the disbelief of Anderson. Minutes later, Bruce Anderson did well to get on the end of a cross from the right-hand side, but the striker’s header went just past the post. HT: Livingston 0-1 Stenhousemuir Early into the second half, Stenhousemuir were awarded a controversial free kick after the referee had already played advantage, which they nearly scored from. The ball was played into the path of Robson, who ran onto the ball and forced Prior into making a reasonably comfortable save. Muirhead played a smart ball over the top into Anderson’s path, who did well to work space to get his shot off, but was denied by Bright, who stayed switched on to clear the ball off the goal line. Van Hoeven worked the ball onto his left foot and had a shot from outside the area, which he caught well, but his effort, which was very central, was tipped over the top by Jamieson. Just past the hour mark, Livingston, for the third time, believed they should have had a penalty, when Van Hoeven went down inside the area, however, out of all three penalty appeals, that one would have been the softest had it have been awarded. A Stenhousemuir corner nearly resulted in a goal for Livi. Polworth initially done well to get to the ball first and find space just inside the opposition half, before spotting the keeper off his line and having a go, but his effort went just past the post. A smart effort from the Livingston substitute. Sinclair was next to appeal for a penalty after feeling contact on his back and going down, but, for the fourth time, the referee waved away the appeals. After 3 minutes of additional time, the referee drew the game to a close. A disappointing evening for the hosts, however, yet another brilliant result for Marvin Bartley’s men, who move five points clear at the top of the Championship. Livingston: Prior (6), Doherty (6), McGowan (6), Kabongolo (5), Wilkie (6), Palmer (6), Danso (6), Culbert (6), Muirhead (6), Anderson , Van Hoeven (7) Substitutes: Carey, Fati (6), Hamilton, Iseni, Kerr, May (6), Pittman, Polworth (6), Sinclair (6) Stenhousemuir: Jamieson (8), Grant (8), Young (8), Bright (8), Meechan (7), Anderson (8), Robson (7), Bilham (7), Hodgkiss (6), Shinnie (8), O’Donnell (7) Substitutes: Aitken, Buchanan, Gillies (6), Hemfrey, MacIntyre (6), O’Reilly (6), Penman, Scally (6), Stevenson (6)
Match Report: Ross County 4-0 East Kilbride
Chin stars as clinical County ease past East Kilbride in Dingwall. After a scrappy start to proceedings, the first chance came after 15 minutes. Randall spun his marker and hit the crossbar from a tight angle. Fifteen minutes later, it was Randall who came close for County again. Graham found the midfielder inside the EK box, but his low effort was saved by the foot of Kelly. With less than two minutes until the interval, Balde found Gray inside the area, who saw his shot come off the post. Into stoppage time, County hit the front. Chin found Lindsay, who played the ball across goal to Graham, who found the roof of the net to give the hosts a deserved lead. HT: Ross County 1-0 East Kilbride Into the second period, County doubled their lead. Emslie played the ball through to McCarvel, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Not long later, two became three. Chin did brilliantly to win the ball high up the pitch, before playing the ball down the line to McCarvel, who played a dangerous ball across the face of goal, which was eventually bundled in by Lindsay. With just under twenty minutes remaining, County made it four. Strapp played the ball into the County box, and it was the skipper Graham, in the right place, at the right time, to head home. East Kilbride came close to pulling a goal back when Balde found himself with the ball at the back post, but his deflected effort was cleared off the line. After two minutes of additional time, the referee drew the game to a close. A stellar showing form the Staggies as they maintain their perfect start to the campaign. On the other hand, East Kilbride will have to improve, as they face high-flying Hamilton in their next match. Ross County: Foster (7), Smith (7), Wright (7), Reid (7), Strapp (8), Randall (7), McCarvel (9), Chin (9), Lindsay (9), Emslie (7), Graham (9) Substitutes: Cornelius, Hamilton (6), Jamieson (6), MacLeod (6), Phillips (6), Reid, Turner (6), Wade, Williamson East Kilbride: Kelly (5), Fagan (4), O’Connor (4), Hamilton (6), Kyle (6), Armstrong (6), Zaid (6), Gray (6), Balde (7), McGrattan (5), Elliot (5) Substitutes: Calder (5), McGuffie (5), Dargie (5), McKendrick, Ross, Smith, Steele (5)
English sides discover their UCL opponents.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United find out their league phase opponents. Arsenal: Real Madrid (H) Bayern Munich (A) Borussia Dortmund (H) Real Betis (A) Lille (H) Napoli (A) Sabah (H) Slavia Praha (A) Manchester City: PSG (H) Barcelona (A) Sporting Lisbon (H) Porto (A) Napoli (H) RB Leipzig (A) AEK Athens (H) Lens (A) Liverpool: Atletico Madrid (H) Inter Milan (A) Porto (H) Club Brugge (A) Villarreal (H) Fenerbahce (A) Lens (H) LASK (A) Aston Villa: PSG (H) Barcelona (A) Borussia Dortmund (H) Club Brugge (A) Fenerbahce (H) Galatasaray (A) Viking (H) Slavia Praha (A) Manchester United: Bayern Munich (H) Atletico Madrid (A) Roma (H) Sporting Lisbon (A) RB Leipzig (H) Villarreal (A) Sabah (H) Como (A) The exact dates for these fixtures will be confirmed in due course, but the matches will take place across these dates: MW1: September 8-10 MW2: October 13-14 MW3: October 20-21 MW4: November 3-4 MW5: November 24-25 MW6: December 8-9 MW7: January 19-20 MW8: January 27
St Mirren 0-1 Dunfermline Athletic – Match Report
Dunfermline Athletic qualify for the Last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup with win in Paisley. The early exchanges were evenly contested, with neither side creating any chances. The first chance of the match came the way of the hosts. Phillips whipped in a corner which found Fraser, who could not keep his header down. On 15 minutes, Amade went for goal from outside the box, which forced Chapman into a brilliant save down low. On 23 minutes, the hosts thought they opened the scoring. Phillips played a pass with the outside of his boot, into the path of Sule, who beat the defender and appeared to have got a toe on the ball ahead of the goalkeeper and played the ball into Ramos, who smashed home, however, the referee had already blown his whistle for what he deemed to be a foul on the goalkeeper, much to the disappointment of the home support. Phillips freed Richardson down the right-hand side, but Richardson, with plenty of time and space, could not find Sule with his attempted cut-back. With slightly over 5 minutes until the interval, Ramos’ corner found the head of Gogic, whose flicked header was easily caught by Oxborough. Rudden found space on the edge of the box, but his left-footed effort was well saved by Chapman, who once again got down low well. HT: St Mirren 0-0 Dunfermline Athletic Into the second period, Rudden did well to control the ball from a corner and get a shot on goal, but the striker’s effort was cleared off the line by Richardson, whose clearance came off the head of Andrew Tod and went out for a goal kick. 5 minutes into the second period, Cleall-Harding appeared to be kicked in the chest after getting his head on the ball first, but the referee saw nothing in it. Moments later, Sule received the ball and played it out wide to Mochrie, who played the ball back to Sule, who took a touch before striking, but his powerful effort went narrowly wide. Andrew Tod looked to have been played through on goal, courtesy of a lovely flick by Amade, but Gogic was present to put in a crucial last-ditch challenge. Cooper found Kane with a cross, but the striker failed to get his header on target. Robinson played a ball towards the back post, which found substitute Cooper, who could not direct his volley from close range on target. With just under 5 minutes until stoppage time, Dunfermline were awarded a penalty. Andrew Tod headed the ball into the path of Bray, who was taken down inside the area. Chris Kane stepped up, and held his nerve, slotting his penalty down the middle of Chapman’s goal. After 4 minutes of additional time, the referee brought the game to a close. As a result, Dunfermline Athletic progress to the next round. St Mirren on the other hand, still go through, but not as a seeded side. St Mirren: Chapman (6), Richardson (5), Fraser (4), Gogic (7), Fieldson (7), Carr (8), Phillips (6), Ramos (6), Taylor (8), Mochrie (7), Sule (6) Substitutes: Urminsky, King, McEvoy (6), Falconer (6), Idowu (6), Dijksteel (6), Calvin, Douglas (6), Young Dunfermline: Oxborough (7), J.Tod (7), Robinson (7), Morrison (5), Rudden (6), Kearney (6), Amade (7), Cleall-Harding (8), Corbally (6), A.Tod (7), Fraser (7) Substitutes: Terrell, Gilmour (6), R.Macleod, Kane (8), Bray (6), Davidson, E.McLeod (6), Rowe, Cooper (6)
Talking Points: Aberdeen 2-1 Queen’s Park
Five talking points from Aberdeen’s narrow win over Queen’s Park. Pittodrie-debut delight Summer signings Dan Happe and Lewis Smith both impressed and both got their first goals for Aberdeen in their first Pittodrie outings. Happe opened the scoring inside three minutes, heading home from close range from a Ronan corner. Not long later, Smith made it two, drilling the ball home following a lovely team move. Outwith their goals, both players impressed. Happe put in a very solid defensive display and also started the move for the second goal, winning the ball high up the pitch. Smith looked lively and showed his ability to go to the line or cut inside, as did Yogane. Müller or Mitov? New signing Müller made his Dons debut and certainly impressed the Aberdeen faithful. The German shot-stopper, who joined from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, made a terrific triple save and made a stunning save in stoppage time to prevent penalties. Mitov, who gave Aberdeen fans a moment that they will never forget in May last year, will have to work hard to earn his spot back in the starting XI. Connor Ronan Connor Ronan was another one of the new signings that impressed in his first outing at Pittodrie. The creative midfielder whipped in the corner which resulted in the opening goal and was involved in the second goal, flicking the ball into the path of Nisbet, who played the ball to Smith, who made no mistake with the finish. The Irishman, as a result of his display, picked up the player of the match award, which follows an impressive debut against Brora Rangers, where he played the ball to Nisbet for the second goal. Two assists in two, Ronan is definitely a player that the Aberdeen faithful can get excited about. Brilliant Briedl Summer signing Alexander Briedl came off the bench yesterday and made his mark. The Austrian showcased his defensive attributes as well as his range of passing and his ability to whip in a dangerous corner. One Aberdeen fan stated: “Very tidy on the ball, will get better once he gets more match fit.” Another fan stated: “A very impressive cameo and he can take a decent corner.” Vulnerability from set pieces On 61 minutes, Aberdeen conceded from a corner, making the final half an hour very cagey. In the Premiership last season, the Dons conceded the most goals from set pieces (22). Aberdeen supporters will be disappointed to see old habits returning in a fresh season. Overall, there were some aspects of Aberdeen’s performance yesterday that would have worried the Aberdeen supporters – letting Queen’s Park back into the game and inability to defend set pieces. However, there were also a lot of positives to take – Müller’s crucial saves, the fast start, Ronan’s display, Briedl’s cameo, Aremu’s performance and Happe’s top defensive display.
Dundee vs Airdrieonians – Match Preview
Scottish football returns, as Dundee face Airdrieonians at Dens Park. Dundee finished 8th in the Premiership last campaign, finishing three points behind their neighbours, while Airdrieonians finished 9th in the Championship, meaning they had to go through the play-offs to escape relegation, however, following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Alloa Athletic, Airdrieonians were relegated to the third tier of Scottish football. These two sides met in this stage of the League Cup last campaign at Dens Park, where Airdrie ran out 1-0 winners, courtesy of a goal from Mochrie. Since November 2022, Dundee and Airdrieonians have met five times. Overall, Dundee won three and Airdrie won two. Airdrie’s two victories both ended 1-0, while Dundee’s wins came in more convincing fashion, winning 4-0 in February 2025, 6-1 in Augusts 2024 and 6-2 in November 2022. Both sides have been busy in the transfer window. Steven Pressley’s side have lost some key players in the early stages of this transfer window, including Luke Graham, who joined English Championship side Stoke City, Billy Koumetio to English Championship side Charlton Athletic, Jon McCracken who departed on a free, Paul Digby to Colchester United and Emile Acquah to Notts County. The Dark Blues have also lost both Tony Yogane who spent last season on loan at Dens Park and recently signed for fellow Premiership side Aberdeen, and Cameron Congreve, who spent last season on loan at Dundee as well and has now returned to Swansea. However, Dundee have brought in reinforcements, bringing in midfielder Ryan Finnigan, who Dundee had been monitoring for twelve months and who signed for Dundee despite strong interest from other clubs in England. Dundee also signed left-back Idris Odutayo, who spent the last three seasons at Bromley, helping guide them to two promotions, including last season’s promotion to English League One. Dundee also recently announced the signing of Slovenian midfielder Zan Besir. Besir is a midfielder who gets goals – scored six goals last season and five the season before, and has a great left foot. The 25-year-old is definitely one to watch for the upcoming campaign. Saturday’s visitors have also been busy following their relegation. The Diamonds have signed midfielder AJ Bridge, who is able to operate anywhere in the midfield, bringing versatility to Airdrieonians. 19-year-old English left-back Henry James, who spent last season on loan at Peterhead. Former Aston Villa midfielder Ewan Simpson, who spent last season at Hamilton Academical. 24-year-old central defender Sam Fisher, who joined from Scottish Championship outfit Dunfermline Athletic, following recent loan spells at Kelty Hearts and Stenhousemuir. And Matty Yates from Linfield, who scored six times in the Northern Irish Premiership last season. Yates has experience when it comes to finding the net in Scotland. The 24-year-old scored 32 times in 130 matches for Stenhousemuir and thirteen times for Stranraer between October 2020 and May 2022.
Dundee confirm the departure of central defender
Dundee have confirmed that Billy Koumetio has joined Charlton Athletic. English Championship side Charlton Athletic have confirmed the signing of Billy Koumetio for a fee of around £500K. It’s believed that Dundee also have a sell on fee percentage for the 23-year-old. Koumetio, who joined Dundee from Liverpool in August 2024, went on to play 44 matches, scoring 1 goal, which came in the League Cup group stages against Bonnyrigg Rose in July 2025. Following his departure, Koumetio took to Social Media to thank Dundee Football Club: “As I leave Dundee FC, I want to thank everyone at the club for the incredible years we shared. It has been a privilege to be part of this club and to work alongside such great teammates, coaches, and staff. A special thank you to the fans for your amazing support throughout my time here. I truly appreciate every moment and will always look back on my time at Dundee FC with gratitude. I wish the club nothing but success for the future. Thank you for everything.” Dundee also look set to lose Scottish central defender Luke Graham. The 22-year-old looks set to join English Championship side Stoke City for £2M plus add-ons.
Dundee United 3-0 Dundee – Match Report
Dundee United comfortably beat their next door neighbours, courtesy of goals from the full-backs. In the opening seconds, Agyei had a shot from range, but his ambitious effort went well past the post. 90 seconds in, Dhanda’s backwards header went into the path of Sapsford, but his effort was tame and was easily saved by McCracken. On 14 minutes, the hosts hit the front. Ferry found Sapsford, whose deflected effort hit off Ferry’s knee and found the bottom corner. Graham nearly levelled just past the 20-minute mark. The defender’s lofted volley looked goal bound, but Iovu managed to get to the ball and head over. Jim Goodwin’s side nearly doubled their advantage. Farrugia’s low effort towards the centre of the goal was saved onto the post by McCracken. On 35 minutes, the visitors thought they levelled things up. Dhanda’s in swinging corner was won by Graham, who forced Richards into a top save, but Westley, who showed desire, got to the ball first and headed home. However, after review, the goal was disallowed for a foul committed by Astley, who pulled Graham’s shirt when the ball was coming in. Into stoppage time at the end of the first period, Hamilton had a shot from range, which was comfortably saved by Richards. HT: Dundee United 1-0 Dundee Into the second period, Sevelj won a header ahead of McCracken from a corner, but the midfielder headed over. With 20 minutes of normal time remaining, Ferry scored again to double United’s lead. The full-back took one touch to get the ball out his feet and found the net via the post. Minutes later, things got even better for United. Ferry did brilliantly to work space for a cross, and found his fellow full-back Strain, who headed into the bottom corner. After 3 minutes of additional time, the referee brought the derby to a close. A comfortable afternoon for the hosts, who move 10 points clear of their city rivals Dundee, who remain 5 points ahead of 11th. Dundee United: Richards (7), Keresztes (7), Graham (7), Iouv (7), Strain (7), Sevelj (7), Agyei (8), Ferry (10), Sapsford (6), Farrugia (6), Watters (6) Substitutes: Dolcek (5), Camara (5), Naamo (5), Russell (5) Dundee: McCracken (5), Astley (5), Koumetio (5), Graham (6), Samuels (6), Hamilton (6), Congreve (6), Westley (6), Dhanda (6), Wright (5), Hay (5) Substitutes: Murray (5), Reilly (5), Yogane (5)