St Mirren begin their title defence at Dumbarton on Saturday (15:00 BST) after a rollercoaster 2024-25 campaign that saw them stun Celtic 3-1 at Hampden in December before surviving a Premiership play-off against Partick Thistle under Craig McLeish, who earned the permanent job after Stephen Robinson left for Aberdeen in March. East Kilbride host Dunfermline Athletic in the other Group C fixture.

Dundee welcome Airdrieonians to Dens Park seeking revenge for last July's 1-0 group-stage defeat — Chris Mochrie, now at St Mirren, scored the winner. Steven Pressley's side avoided relegation trouble last season. In Group B, Dundee United travel to Stirling Albion (17:30) after a second-round exit to Kilmarnock last term, while Arbroath visit Spartans.

Falkirk, sixth in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions under John McGlynn, open Group G away — they went unbeaten in groups last year before a 4-1 loss to Celtic in round two. Stranraer host Ayr United in the same section. Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, promoted St Johnstone and relegated Livingston don't start until 14 July.

The early fixtures carry disproportionate weight: Premiership sides have stumbled in group stages before, and a compressed schedule tests squad depth immediately. St Mirren's defence and Dundee's revenge bid set the tone for a competition where momentum matters more than reputation.