Group F leaders Dunfermline welcome Kilmarnock to East End Park on Saturday as the Scottish League Cup group stage continues.
Key Takeaways
- Dunfermline defeated Raith Rovers on penalties in their opening match before thrashing Annan Athletic 4-0
- Kilmarnock also achieved a comfortable victory over Annan in their first game, running out 3-0 winners
- The Pars clinched the Scottish League One title last season, while Killie finished 10th in the Premiership
Kilmarnock lost five League Cup finals before finally winning their sixth showpiece appearance back in 2012. The East Ayrshire outfit are eager to taste cup success once again, while Dunfermline are hoping to reach a fourth final.
Dunfermline Form
Dunfermline played out a 1-1 draw with Raith Rovers in their League Cup opener before winning on penalties thanks to the competition’s unique format.
After scoring against Raith, Lewis McCann bagged a brace as the Pars crushed Annan Athletic in their second match on Tuesday, extending their unbeaten start to the 2023-24 League Cup campaign.
To say that Dunfermline dominated League One last term would be an understatement, as the champions suffered a solitary defeat in 36 games on their way to finishing 14 points clear atop the standings. Now, James McPake’s side must prove their worth in the second tier.
Kilmarnock Form
On the flip side, Kilmarnock narrowly avoided relegation from the Premiership last term, finishing six points outside the drop zone with the second-worst defensive record in the division.
However, the 2023-24 campaign provides Killie with a clean slate – and manager Derek McInnes will be hoping that last weekend’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Annan Athletic is a sign of things to come for his team.
As a top-flight outfit, the 2012 League Cup winners are among the favourites to lift the trophy this season. It is worth noting, however, that Kilmarnock have failed to make it past the quarter-finals since triumphing more than a decade ago.
Head-to-Head
Unfortunately for Dunfermline, they have managed to win just one of their last seven meetings with Kilmarnock across all competitions, recording three draws and three losses in the process.
That said, the Pars have won each of their previous two League Cup matches against Killie, claiming a 4-3 victory back in 2005 before winning 3-0 in 2020.
Team News
Dunfermline midfielder Kane Ritchie-Holser remains sidelined as he continues to recover from ankle surgery.
As for Kilmarnock, they will be without the suspended Jack Sanders on Saturday after the defender picked up a red card last time out.
Key Players
Having racked up 20 goals last season, Craig Wighton is undoubtedly Dunfermline’s danger man. Meanwhile, Lewis McCann contributed 10 goals and six assists in 2022-23.
Kilmarnock winger Danny Armstrong notched an impressive tally of 12 goals and 10 assists last term, while Kyle Vassell bagged six goals and three assists in just 18 appearances for the club.
Final Thoughts
While Dunfermline gained promotion to the Championship in eye-catching fashion last season, Kilmarnock narrowly avoided relegation to the second tier. With that in mind, Saturday’s showdown will likely be a close-fought battle, despite Killie’s top-flight status.
League Cup