Scottish Cup
2025-07-12 - Dundee vs Airdrieonians
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: Scottish League Cup Group Stage
Saturday 12th July 2025 - Kick Off 3pm
Preview
It was never going to be easy for Dundee to match their performances on their return to the Scottish Premiership in 2023/24 when playing in the top Division last season. They flirted with a bottom two finish until the last split into the Relegation Group and that means Dundee are set for another year amongst the elite of Scottish Football.
While others begin European adventures in the Qualifying Rounds, Dundee will be taking part in the League Cup Group Stage once again. As in previous seasons, this is seen as a chance for players to have some competitive pre-season action before the Scottish League gets underway in early August and there is silverware to aim for, which helps in the motivation department.
Last season Dundee made easy work of the League Cup Group Stage with wins in all four games played and with 18 goals scored. They have had solid results at home in the League Cup over the last couple of years, but Dundee actually failed to make it out of the Group two seasons ago when finishing behind Airdrie.
It was a 1-0 defeat at Airdrie that proved to be the difference in the standings and the 9 points earned by Dundee were not enough to take them through as one of the top Runners Up. There was some revenge earned by Dundee in the Second Round last year when thumping Airdrie 6-1 at home, while later in the campaign they recorded a 4-0 victory over this opponent at Dens Park in the Scottish FA Cup.
Respect has to be given to Airdrie for the way they have negotiated the League Cup Group Stage in the last couple of years, including joining Aberdeen in the Second Round twelve months ago with one of the best Runners Up spots. However, it was a tough campaign overall with the team needing to win a Relegation Play Off tie to avoid slipping into Scottish League One.
If it wasn't for the big Points Penalty handed out to Hamilton Academical, Airdrie would have been playing in League One and so there is a big gap to bridge to Dundee.
Airdrie were only narrowly beaten in the League Cup Group Stage at Aberdeen twelve months ago, which will offer them confidence, but the two heavy losses at Dundee may be much tougher to shift out of the mind.
Prediction
Ever since the formation of the new League Cup Group Stage, there have always been surprising results with the majority of the clubs still in pre-season recovery.
That can bridge the gap between the top teams and those making up the Groups, but in the last couple of years the Scottish Premiership top Seeds have made it through to the Second Round.
Dundee were one of those teams last season and they do look a clear favourite to top this section.
The biggest rival is expected to be Airdrie, but Dundee thumped them twice at Dens Park last season and can secure a win by at least two goals to open the 2025/26 season.
The Pick :
Dundee 3-1 Airdrieonians
