St Mirren vs Arbroath Predictions

• Each of St Mirren’s three pre-season friendlies have contained three or more goals
• Arbroath are on a run of just three wins in 16 away league cup games
• St Mirren have only lost one of their lat 11 home league cup fixtures

St Mirren hoping to avoid banana skin

Premiership side St Mirren have had three pre-season friendlies in their build up for the start of Scotland’s competitive season, registering wins over Crusaders and Linfield before losing to Northampton.

Manager Stephen Robinson took charge in February and has won just three of his 13 fixtures, failing to even score in seven of them, so he will be desperate to start strongly.

Each of those friendlies contained three or more goals, while The Buddies have a strong record in the League Cup, winning seven of their last nine games in the competition, as well as losing just once in 11 at home.

Part-timers face an uphill task

It was a minor miracle that Arbroath finished second in the Scottish Championship last season, eventually losing in the promotion play-offs to Inverness on penalties.

Dick Campbell’s side have had two friendlies, a 1-1 draw with Montrose and 2-1 victory over Brechin, but they have never won away against a top flight side in the League Cup.

Indeed, recent matches against Premiership opposition include a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United and 6-1 battering at Hibs, winning just four times in their last 20 ties on the road in the competition.

I predict that St Mirren will win this match with three or goals over the course of the 90 minutes, with 2-1 to the hosts my correct score prediction.