Preview: Airdrieonians vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

They will travel to face Airdrieonians in the second round of the competition with the Scottish Championship team attempting to provide an upset.

Match preview

Airdrieonians have had a mixed start to the new Scottish Championship campaign with one win and one loss so far, but they do head into this game on the back of a victory last weekend.

Rhys McCabe's men defeated Patrick Thistle after coming from behind, showcasing the fighting spirit that might be needed again this Saturday when they compete against Scottish Premiership opposition.

The Diamonds impressed during the group stage of the Scottish Cup to kick-start the new season, picking up four victories to top it and progress to this round.

Airdrieonians were offensively impressive throughout those matches by scoring seven times across the competition, but they did not let that compromise the defensive side of their play either.

McCabe's squad kept three clean sheets in the competition, and the balance between a resilient defense and the ability to create chances will be crucial now knockout football has returned.

However, Ross County will not make things simple for them, and they head into this match on the back of 2-0 a victory against St Johnstone.

Malky Mackay's men were quick to put the opening day loss against Celtic behind them, yet channeled the positives that came from that game against the defending Scottish Premiership champions.

However, the Staggied did not come through the Scottish League Cup group stage undefeated, as they were beaten by Kelty Hearts in the final match.

Despite that, Ross County did showcase how impressive they can be offensively as they scored 13 goals during the group stage, and continuing that will provide a real test to the defensive abilities of the Diamonds.

The Staggies were dumped out at this stage of the competition last season, therefore a win would signify an improvement already, which would be a positive step at this stage.

Airdrieonians Scottish League Cup form:

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Ross County Scottish League Cup form:

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Team News

Calum Gallagher is expected to lead the line for Airdrieonians this weekend, with the striker having found the back of the net last weekend.

Gabby McGill could also be an option for the Diamonds after he showcased what he was capable of when being used as a substitute in the win against Patrick Thistle, but an unchanged team might be named.

The visitors could use this as an opportunity to rest some players and give minutes to others such as Alex Samuel and Jay Henderson, but Mackay might be looking for more consistency.

Kyle Turner and Connor Randall both got on the scoresheet against St Johnstone and will be hoping to find their places in the team this time around.

Scott Allardice was unable to overcome a knock that he suffered on the opening day of the season to feature at the weekend, but this could be a chance to get some minutes back into his legs if he is fit enough.

Airdrieonians possible starting lineup:

Rae; Watson, Fordyce, Taylor-Sinclair, Ballantyne; McCabe, Frizzell, McMaster; McGregor, O'Connor, Gallagher

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Munro; Brown, Considine, Gordon, Gallacher; Kucheryavyi, Phillips, Ballantyne, Ferguson; Jephcott, May

We say: Airdrieonians 1-2 Ross County

Airdrieonians have impressed so far this season, and the attacking qualities that they provide should create some challenges for Ross County.

However, the Scottish Premiership team should ultimately have too much for their opponents this weekend, leading to them progressing into the next round.

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