[monks data]
Montrose
Scottish League Cup | Group stage
Jul 22, 2025 at 7.45pm UK
Links Park
Airdrieonians

Montrose
vs.
Airdrieonians

Preview: Montrose vs Airdrieonians - prediction, team news, lineups

Preview: Montrose vs Airdrieonians - prediction, team news, lineups
© Imago
Sports Mole previews Tuesday's Scottish League Cup clash between Montrose and Airdrieonians, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Montrose and Airdrieonians, third and second in Group C, are set to come together on Wednesday night in the Scottish League Cup

The hosts are third in the table with three points from two games, while the visitors are second in the standings with six points from two fixtures.



Match preview

Montrose had a disappointing 2024-25 campaign as they fell from a fourth-placed finish in 2023-24 to battling for their survival in Scottish League One.

The Mo eventually managed to secure their safety in the third division, finishing eighth in the table with 40 points from their 36 league fixtures, leaving them four points ahead of ninth-placed Annan Athletic in the relegation playoff place. 

Now heading into the 2025-26 league season, Stewart Petrie - in charge since December 2016 - will be hoping to lead Montrose back to a challenge for promotion. 

They have had an encouraging opening two competitive fixtures in the Scottish League Cup, narrowly defeated 2-1 by Alloa Athletic before beating Bonnyrigg Rose 4-1.

Those results leave them third in the Group C standings with three points from two matches, meaning they trail leaders Alloa by six points - though they have played a game fewer than top of the group. 

A victory on Wednesday is, therefore, of huge importance if Montrose are to secure a shock qualification from the group, especially as they trail their visitors by three points. 

Airdrieonians also suffered a drop off last term in comparison to 2023-24, having finished fourth in the Scottish Championship before falling to a ninth-placed finish last term. 

Airdrie narrowly ensured their survival in league with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Cove Rangers in the promotion/relegation playoff final, and they will be hoping to avoid the relegation battle altogether this term. 

Rhys McCabe's side have enjoyed a particularly positive start to the competitive campaign, picking up back-to-back victories in their opening two Scottish League Cup matches. 

They defeated Dundee 1-0 in their opening fixture before beating Bonnyrigg Rose 3-0 last time out, leaving Airdrieonians in second and three points behind the table toppers - though Alloa have played a game more than Airdrie. 

Aiming to maintain their winning momentum as they look to progress from the group stage, while also building a foundation for the upcoming league season, Airdrieonians will look to defeat Montrose for the fourth consecutive time - having recorded 4-0, 4-2 and 3-0 wins in their last three meetings.

Montrose Scottish League Cup form:

Montrose form (all competitions):

Airdrieonians Scottish League Cup form:

Airdrieonians form (all competitions):



Team News

Following Montrose's defeat to Alloa Athletic in their opening match, there were several changes made to their second matchday starting team, and after a 4-1 win, a similar team could feature here.

Craig Wighton and Terry Masson did both come from the bench to score in that 4-1 victory, but both may start among the substitutes again on Wednesday. 

Airdrieonians have won both of their opening two fixtures and are yet to concede a goal in the Scottish League Cup, meaning a similar team is expected in this one. 

As a result, Euan Henderson could partner Liam McStravick in attack, while a similar back three of Sean McGinty, Dylan MacDonald and Craig Ross could start.

Montrose possible starting lineup:

A Clark; Freeman, Dillon, Smith, Bertie; Webster, R Clark, Brown, Machado; Loudon, Lyons

Airdrieonians possible starting lineup:

Melrose; McGinty, MacDonald, Ross; McGrattan, Armstrong, Mochrie, Barjonas, King; McStravick, Henderson



SM words green background

We say: Montrose 0-3 Airdrieonians


 

Airdrieonians have made a superb start to the Scottish League Cup, and alongside their strong record in this fixture, we believe the visitors will comfortably win here.

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





 


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Written by
Ellis Stevens
No Data Analysis info

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