Dundeevs.Inverness

The home side have already clinched top spot in Group D, while the visitors are sitting in third spot after three matches.

Match preview

After failing to make it out of the group stage last season, Dundee will return to the knockout rounds this term after securing qualification with a game to spare.

They began their campaign with a thumping 7-1 win over Bonnyrigg Rose, before they recorded a 2-0 victory over Arbroath on matchday two.

Dundee then produced a late showing to beat third-tier Annan Athletic 3-1 at Glebe Park, with the Dee using Brechin's home ground to give their new pitch at Den's Park the chance to bed in ahead of the new season.

With the score level at one goal apiece, Simon Murray netted his second goal of the game in the 85th minute, before Seb Palmer-Houlden added a third in stoppage time to seal Dundee's progression to the last 16.

Having secured qualification, Tony Docherty's side may already be looking towards their Scottish Premiership opener against local rivals Dundee United on August 4, but first, they will attempt to beat Inverness in the League Cup group stage for the second year in a row.

In contrast to their hosts, Inverness have experienced an underwhelming League Cup campaign, having mustered four points from their three group matches.

After losing 1-0 to Annan Athletic, Duncan Ferguson's side got on the board with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Scottish League Two outfit Bonnyrigg Rose.

However, they failed to build upon that result in Tuesday's home clash against fellow League One side Arbroath, playing out a goalless draw before losing the subsequent penalty shootout to miss out on a crucial bonus point.

Third-placed Inverness know they will leapfrog Annan with a win on Saturday, but there is a possibility that they could still miss out on one of the best second-placed spots even if they secure all three points.

Having failed to win their last four head-to-head meetings, the visitors are hoping to beat Dundee for the first time since recording a 3-2 win in a Championship fixture in September 2022.

Dundee Scottish League Cup form:

W

W

W

Inverness Caledonian Thistle Scottish League Cup form:

L

W

L

Team News

The hosts are still unable to call upon their captain Joe Shaughnessy, who is continuing to work on his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

With top spot secured, Docherty could take the opportunity to make some changes, with Luke Graham, Josh Mulligan and Scott Tiffoney all hoping to get the chance to start on Saturday.

Palmer-Houlden could also be rewarded with a starting berth after he came off the bench to score in the 3-1 win over Annan.

Meanwhile, the visitors may have to cope without the services of Danny Devine, who was forced to miss the clash with Arbroath due to injury.

Defender Jack Walker could also miss Saturday's contest after he was stretchered off in the first half of Tuesday's home fixture.

Luis Longstaff, Charlie Gilmour and Billy McKay could all be recalled after they dropped down to the bench in midweek.

Dundee possible starting lineup:

McCracken; McGhee, Portales, Graham; Mulligan, Cameron, McCowan, Sylla, Tiffoney; Palmer-Houlden, Murray

Inverness Caledonian Thistle possible starting lineup:

Newman; Davidson, Gilmour, Savage, Strachan; Longstaff, MacKay, Bray, MacLeod; McKay, Brooks

We say: Dundee 2-0 Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Previews by email