Clyde v Partick Thistle (at Recreation Park, Alloa)
This game has been switched while the finishing touches are put to a new synthetic surface at Broadwood and the artificial pitch at Alloa will give Clyde a taste of what lies ahead. Today's opponents, though, should be a few notches up in class from what Jim Duffy's men will encounter when the league season gets under way. Stefan McCluskey could make his first start for Clyde, who are expected to feature a number of trialists. Jackie McNamara, the Partick manager, will choose from a full squad which includes four summer signings.
Prediction Away win
Dumbarton v Queen of the South
These two have swapped places in Scottish football's pecking order following Dumbarton's promotion to the first division from which Queen of the South were relegated. There should therefore be little between them and perhaps a point to prove especially for the visitors. Dumbarton are without Kevin Nicol, Pat Walker and a new signing, Ross Forsyth. Queens will have a new look following a busy summer of transfer activity. One of the most recent newcomers, the former Falkirk full-back Chris Mitchell, could make his debut.
Prediction Away win
HAMILTON ACCIES v AIRDRIE UTD
Accies face their second Lanarkshire derby in five days and will be hoping for a better outcome than the 3-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Motherwell in Tuesday's friendly. Billy Reid's men emerged from that game with credit and start favourites against an Airdrie outfit still building for the new campaign after their belated promotion to the first division.
Prediction Home win
Falkirk v Stirling Albion
Falkirk, the holders, embark on a journey they hope will culminate in a repeat of their final triumph against Hamilton Academical in April. However, many of the cup-winning side having moved on. Steven Pressley's revamped team managed a win over Hearts and a draw with Bolton during their preparations. Stirling are gearing up for a season in Scottish football's bottom tier but beat the Bairns two years ago. The visitors are without the injured Shaun Fagan.
Prediction Home win
Cowdenbeath v Alloa Athletic
A meeting between last season's second and third division champions promises to be among the most entertaining matches on the card. Colin Cameron, the Cowdenbeath player-manager has introduced some flair with the signings of Jamie Stevenson and the Spanish midfielder Ruben Garcia Rey but will take nothing for granted against an Alloa side who could be a force in the second division. Paul Hartley's men gave a good account of themselves in a midweek friendly against Dundee United but the manager insists the real tests start today.
Prediction Home win
Wick Academy v Raith Rovers
The Highland League minnows make their bow in this competition and their manager, Davie Kirkwood, will preach a "nothing to lose" mantra against one of his old clubs. Kirkwood spent six seasons at Stark's Park and is under no illusions that the first division side start as strong favourites at Harmsworth Park. Yet, having been a member of the Raith team that beat Celtic in the 1994 League Cup final, he knows upsets can happen. Having made no new signings during the close-season, Kirkwood will rely on a tried and trusted side. Rovers, led in a competitive match for the first time by their new player-manager Grant Murray, have several players carrying niggles.
Prediction Away win
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