Group stage Dundee derby a possibility

There could be a Dundee derby in the Betfred Cup group stages, after the seedings for tomorrow’s draw were announced, writes

Eric Nicolson.

Dundee are one of four first seeds for the north section of the draw, with Dundee United among the second seeds.

There will be eight groups of five – all of which will have one first seed, one second and three unseeded clubs.

Dunfermline are the last of the north second seeds, with Raith Rovers, Brechin City, East Fife, Arbroath, Forfar, Montrose and Cowdenbeath all unseeded.

The 38 SPFL clubs in the group draw are joined by Lowland League champions East Kilbride, who were pipped by Cowdenbeath in the pyramid play-off final, and Highland League champions Buckie Thistle.

The group winners and four best runners-up progress to the last 16, where they are joined by holders Celtic and fellow European representatives St Johnstone, Aberdeen and Rangers.

The draw will be conducted live on BT Sport 2 tomorrow at 6.30pm.

Dundee can’t be drawn against fellow north first seeds Hearts, Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

United will avoid Hibs, Falkirk and Dunfermline.

The four group games will be played on July 15, July 19, July 22, July 26 and July 29 (subject to broadcast selections).