Inverness CT vs Cove Rangers Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Inverness return for their new season on Saturday, as they play their opening match of the Scottish League Cup group stage. The hosts are welcoming Cove Rangers, the side who narrowly missed out on joining the Scottish Football League last season. They were beaten in a play-off against League Two opposition, so heading to a Championship side this weekend feels like a big ask for the visitors. Meanwhile, Inverness are looking to step up in the league, after finishing two points shy of the play-offs, as they target a return to the Premiership.

The hosts have a really straightforward opener, and they’re massive favourites to take the points. They managed to win half of their home games in the second tier last season, while Caley Thistle were able to hit over 1.7 goals per game in front of their own supporters. They come in to Saturday’s clash knowing that this is an early opportunity to put on a show for their fans, and based on their preseason campaign, we expect them to thrive in this encounter.

Inverness have been facing off against non-league sides this summer, and they’ve hit 21 goals across five friendlies so far. They can surely prove their class when they host Cove Rangers, a side who have been struggling a little of late. The visitors lost 3-2 at League One side Montrose in the build up to this one, while a loss by the same scoreline at League Two side Cowdenbeath kept Cove Rangers outside of the Football League.

The away side were in the League Cup last term too, which also didn’t turn out too well for them. While they did claim a surprise win against Montrose, they also suffered a 4-0 loss to Alloa and a 7-0 defeat at Ross County. This game is likely to see another big win, based on how Inverness have been warming up for their opening game of the 2018/19 season.

The hosts finished last season in inspired form, with a 4-0 win over Brechin and a 5-1 thrashing of Dumbarton. Their recent home League Cup matches have seen them hammer Arbroath 7-0 and beat Brechin 3-0, so taking on non-league opponents shouldn’t be too big of an issue. The visitors are heavy favourites, and we’re backing them to score over 2.5 goals in this clash, and claim a 4-0 victory.