The Scottish League cup group stages get underway this week as Edinburg City makes an upset and claims all three points against Hamilton Academical. The match schedules for Friday night at the Meadowbank Stadium, with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
The two teams are drawn in Group E alongside Albion Rovers, Ayr United, and Falkirk. The opponents will be looking to build in their last season’s campaign that saw them drop off in the knockout phases.
Edinburg City starts the campaign on the back of a hard losing 3-2 on aggregate in the League One playoff against Dumbarton back in May. It was a curtailed coronavirus impacted campaign, thus finishing second in the fourth tier in the Scottish league. The side finished behind leaders Queen Park.
However, a playoff defeat leaves a bitter taste in their mouth, especially when it comes to Gary Naysmith. Securing a promotion from League Two remains at the top of the list of this campaign.
On the other hand, Hamilton head into the clash without any pre-season friendlies. Their last fixture dates back to May in their 2-0 loss to Kilmarnock. The loss confirmed their relegation from Scotland’s top flight.
Furthermore, the opponents finished at the bottom of the table. It was a horrid run that saw seven wins in their 38 league matches. Manager Brian Rice can make up for the relegation with a win.
Edinburg City vs Hamilton Academical Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face each other, which marks their first encounter in the league cup. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Dumbarton 0-1 Edinburg
- Edinburg 1-3 Dumbarton
- Edinburg City 2-2 Elgin City
- Elgin City 0-1 Edinburg City
- Stranraer 2-1 Edinburg City
Away
- Hamilton Academical 0-2 Kilmarnock
- Ross County 2-1 Hamilton
- Mirren 1-2 Hamilton
- Hamilton 0-1 Motherwell
- Hamilton 0-1 Dundee United
Edinburg Team News
There is new life at the camp with Gary Naysmith backed with five new signings in his starting lineup on Friday. Therefore, Gary might choose to line up either Scott Rookie or Stephen Bronsky. Lee Hamilton remains a major figure in defense.
Hamilton Academical Team News
Rice looks set to maintain a back three formation in defense, and we expect the same case here. Moreover, we expect a defensive lineup made of Brian Easton, Jamie Hamilton, and Shaun Want.
Prediction and Odds
There is no doubt that Hamilton is favorites to pick up a win despite lacking any pre-season friendlies.
- Hamilton Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Home
