Betfred Cup 2019: Your team profiled and what they can expect in the group stage

For the The Back Page, the Lower League Football Show takes a look at the Betfred Cup groups.

Who is ready for the new season, and who is rushing signings through the door? Can any of the Premiership sides expect a shock this weekend?

Listen to the show on Acast and Itunes or enjoy a snippet from each group below as host Colin Paterson is joined by Mark Pirie and Fraser Clarke.

Lawrence Shankland in action for Dundee United. (SNS Group)

GROUP A: Cowdenbeath, Dundee United, East Fife, Hearts, Stenhousemuir

Friday : Hearts v Dundee United. Saturday : Cowdenbeath v East Fife

Fraser: "I was really surprised to see Stenhousemuir relegated, and their business looks solid enough. I'm looking at when they play East Fife.

"Cowdenbeath and Stenny will both be fancying their chances against East Fife."

It could be a big chance for Brechin City in the Betfred Cup (SNS Group)

GROUP B: Brechin City, Forfar Athletic, Montrose, Ross County, St Johnstone

Saturday: Forfar Athletic v Brechin City, Ross County v Montrose

Mark: "It will be interesting to see how Brechin get on. They have been in freefall. Players like Luke Watt and Sean McIntosh are decent League One standard players."

Peter Grant is announced at the new Manager of Alloa Athletic. (SNS Group)

GROUP C: Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Elgin City, Hibs, Stirling Albion

Saturday: Arbroath v Elgin City, Stirling Albion v Hibernian

Colin : "I really like the look of Stiling this season. I'm really impressed by Kevin Rutkiewicz. There seems to be a real energy and momentum about Stilring this summer."

Can Cove Rangers continue their promotion momentum? (SNS Group)

GROUP D: Cove Rangers, Dundee, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Peterhead, Raith Rovers

Saturday: Peterhead v Cove Rangers, Raith Rovers v Dundee

Fraser: "How surprised would you be if Cove finished second in that group? If they can get a it of momentum under Paul Hartley is it too much of a stretch to think they could get second in that group?"

Morton manager David Hopkin (SNS Group)

GROUP E: Annan Athletic, Dumbarton, Morton, Motherwell, Queen of the South

Saturday: Annan Athletic v Dumbarton, Queen of the South v Motherwell

Colin: "I'll find it interesting watching Queen of the South and Morton in this group. I don't think much will separate them in the Championship. Whether David Hopkin can repeat what he did at Livingston is certainly up for debate."

Kenny Miller will test himself for the first time at Partick Thistle in the Betfred Cup (SNS Group)

GROUP F: Airdrieonians, Hamilton Accies, Partick Thistle, Queen's Park

Saturday: Hamilton Accies v Queen's Park, Partick Thistle v Airdrieonians

Mark: "Airdrie look well-organised and well-drilled already. They look like they have upgraded in quality, and Nat Wedderburn looks like a real upgrade."

Ayr United manager Ian McCall will be hoping Kris Doolan can replace Lawrence Shankland (SNS Group)

GROUP G: Ayr United, Berwick Rangers, Falkirk, Livingston, Stranraer

Saturday: Berwick Rangers v Ayr United, Falkirk v Livingston

Fraser: "Looking at that group I wouldn't be staggered to see Falkirk win that group if they get momentum going early."

Dunfermline's Tom Lang made the switch from Clyde (SNS Group)

GROUP H: Albion Rovers, Dunfermline Athletic, East Kilbride, Edinburgh City, St Mirren

Saturday: East Kilbride v Albion Rovers. Sunday: St Mirren v Dunfermline Athletic

Mark: "Some of the signings are a bit risky, but I'd like to see some of the League One and League Two players brought in do well at Dunfermline. It's been an error before bringing in Premiership cast-offs."

Club still to enter due to European commitments: Celtic, Rangers, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen.

Listen to the full round-up below: