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Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish League Cup clash between Falkirk and Spartans, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams battling for top spot in Group A will clash on Saturday afternoon as Falkirk host The Spartans in the Scottish League Cup. 

The hosts are top of the standings with eight points from three fixtures, while the visitors are third in the table with six points from their three matches. 

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Match preview

Falkirk have made a remarkable rise up the Scottish football pyramid in recent seasons, being crowned Scottish League One champions in 2023-24, followed by lifting the Scottish Championship title in 2024-25. 

Their back-to-back promotions means Falkirk have finally ended their 15-season absence from the Scottish Premiership, with their first match back in the top flight since 2009-10 matching them up against Dundee United on August 3. 

John McGlynn, who has overseen their rise up the leagues, will be aiming for another strong campaign in 2025–26, with sights set on survival - and the club certainly has a solid foundation to build on.

Falkirk have won all of their last six matches across friendly and Scottish League Cup fixtures, with those results also leaving them top of the Group A table with one fixture remaining. 

Having defeated Brechin City 7-0, Cove Rangers 4-2 on penalties - after a 0-0 draw - and Queen's Park 3-1, Falkirk will be looking for another victory in the final match to ensure their top spot finish. 

A victory is likely required for Falkirk to secure their progression into the knockout rounds, as they lead Cove Rangers by just one point and The Spartans by only two. 

That will also give The Spartans a big source of motivation heading into Saturday's clash, as a victory for the visitors could also see them finish top, depending on Cove Rangers' result against Queen's Park. 

The Spartans, who narrowly missed out on a playoff place in Scottish League Two last term, have enjoyed a surprisingly impressive Scottish League Cup campaign, recording two wins and one defeat. 

Douglas Samuel, who has been in charge since 2012, guided his side to a 2-1 win over Scottish Championship Queen's Park, followed by a 1-0 loss to Cove Rangers, but The Spartans quickly bounced back by defeating Brechin City 2-0. 

That defeat to Cove Rangers is the only loss in their last seven matches, with six wins in that time, and they will be eager to continue that run as they aim to secure a shock first-placed finish in Group A. 

Falkirk Scottish League Cup form:

Spartans Scottish League Cup form:

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Team News

Veteran striker Brian Graham came off the bench and scored his first competitive goal for Falkirk in their last match, and the 37-year-old could come back into the starting team on Saturday. 

Dylan Tait, Scott Arfield and Ethan Ross have scored seven of Falkirk's 10 goals, and all three could line-up just behind Graham in this one. 

Further back the pitch, a similar defence that has conceded just one goal in their three games is expected to feature in their final group match. 

As for Spartans, given Samuel's side have recorded a surprising two victories and only one defeat from their three fixtures, a similar team could be named here. 

Blair Henderson is likely to lead the line for the visitors, alongside Cammy Russell and Jamie Dishington on the wings, while Sean Walsh, James Craigen and Bradley Whyte are expected in the midfield.

Falkirk possible starting lineup:

Hogarth; Adams, Neilson, Henderson, McCann; Cartwright, Spencer; Arfield, Tait, Ross; Graham

Spartans possible starting lineup:

Carswell; Watson, Sonkur, Waugh, Booth; Whyte, Welsh, Craigen; Dishington, Henderson, Russell

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We say: Falkirk 3-1 Spartans

 

While The Spartans have impressed in their first three matches, Falkirk have looked a cut above their opposition thus far, and the hosts are expected to secure a comfortable win on Saturday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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