2023–24 Scottish League Cup
The 2023–24 Scottish League Cup, also known as the Viaplay Cup for sponsorship reasons, is the 78th season of Scotland's second-most prestigious football knockout competition. Celtic were the defending champions, but were eliminated in the second round by Kilmarnock.
| Country | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Dates | 15 July – 17 December 2023 |
| Teams | 45 |
| Defending champions | Celtic |
| Matches played | 92 |
| Goals scored | 281 (3.05 per match) |
| Attendance | 237,139 (2,578 per match) |
| Top goal scorer(s) | Simon Murray (7 goals) |
← 2022–23 2024–25 → All statistics correct as of 27 September 2023. | |
Schedule Edit
Format Edit
The competition begins with eight groups of five teams.[2] The five clubs initially competing in the UEFA Champions League (Celtic and Rangers), Europa League (Aberdeen) and Europa Conference League (Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian) receive a bye to the second round. The group stage consists of 40 teams: all remaining teams that competed across the SPFL in 2022–23, the 2022–23 Highland Football League champions (Brechin City) and 2022–23 Lowland Football League champions (The Spartans). Unlike previous seasons where the remaining group stage spot was given to the runners-up of the Highland League or Lowland League, Cowdenbeath – who finished 15th in the Lowland League, having been relegated from Scottish League Two in 2022 – accepted an invitation to participate.[2]
The winners of each of the eight groups, as well as the three best runners-up, will progress to the second round (last 16). At this stage, the competition reverts to the traditional knock-out format. The three group winners with the highest points total and the European entrants will be seeded.
Bonus point system Edit
The traditional point system of awarding three points for a win and one point for a draw is used. In addition, for each group stage match that finishes in a draw, a penalty shoot-out takes place, with the winner being awarded a bonus point.[3]
Group stage Edit
The teams are seeded according to their final league positions in 2022–23 and drawn into eight groups, with each group comprising one team from each pot. The draw for the group stage took place on 8 June 2023 and was broadcast live on Viaplay & the SPFL YouTube channel.[2]
Group A Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | AYR | STI | STJ | STE | ALL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayr United | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | +8 | 11 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | — | 1–0 | 6–0 | |
| 2 | Stirling Albion | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 10 | 1–1p | — | — | 2–1 | — | ||
| 3 | St Johnstone | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 3 | 1–2 | 0–4 | — | — | — | ||
| 4 | Stenhousemuir | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 3 | — | — | 1–0 | — | 1–3 | ||
| 5 | Alloa Athletic | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 13 | −9 | 3 | — | 1–2 | 0–4 | — | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group B Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | PAR | FAL | DUN | SPA | PET | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Partick Thistle | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 9 | Qualification for the second round | — | 2–2p | — | 2–1 | — | |
| 2 | Falkirk | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 8 | — | — | 0–1 | — | 4–1 | ||
| 3 | Dundee United | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 | 1–2 | — | — | — | 3–0 | ||
| 4 | The Spartans | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 | — | 1–2 | 1–0 | — | — | ||
| 5 | Peterhead | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 10 | −7 | 1 | 1–1p | — | — | 1–2 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group C Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | LIV | HAM | COV | BRE | CLY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Livingston | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 1 | +9 | 10 | Qualification for the second round | — | 1–1p | — | — | 1–0 | |
| 2 | Hamilton Academical | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 9 | — | — | 2–2p | 1–0 | — | ||
| 3 | Cove Rangers | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 11 | −1 | 8 | 0–5 | — | — | — | 5–2 | ||
| 4 | Brechin City | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | −4 | 3 | 0–3 | — | 2–3 | — | — | ||
| 5 | Clyde | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 11 | −7 | 0 | — | 1–3 | — | 1–2 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group D Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ROS | GMO | KEL | STR | EDI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ross County | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 6 | +7 | 10 | Qualification for the second round | — | 2–1 | 3–3p | — | — | |
| 2 | Greenock Morton | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 9 | — | — | — | 3–0 | 4–1 | ||
| 3 | Kelty Hearts | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 9 | +2 | 8 | — | 1–3 | — | 2–0 | — | ||
| 4 | Stranraer | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 11 | −8 | 3 | 1–5 | — | — | — | 2–1 | ||
| 5 | Edinburgh City | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 14 | −8 | 0 | 1–3 | — | 3–5 | — | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group E Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | AIR | DND | DUM | ICT | BON | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airdrieonians | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 12 | Qualification for the second round | — | 1–0 | 2–0 | — | — | |
| 2 | Dundee | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 9 | — | — | 3–1 | 1–0 | — | ||
| 3 | Dumbarton | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 5 | — | — | — | 2–1 | p0–0 | ||
| 4 | Inverness Caledonian Thistle | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 7 | −2 | 3 | 2–3 | — | — | — | 2–1 | ||
| 5 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 1 | 0–1 | 0–1 | — | — | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group F Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | KIL | RAI | DNF | ALB | ANN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kilmarnock | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 10 | Qualification for the second round | — | 2–2p | — | — | 3–0 | |
| 2 | Raith Rovers | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 9 | — | — | 1–1p | 2–0 | — | ||
| 3 | Dunfermline Athletic | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 8 | 0–2 | — | — | — | 4–0 | ||
| 4 | Albion Rovers | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | −5 | 3 | 1–2 | — | 0–3 | — | — | ||
| 5 | Annan Athletic | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 12 | −9 | 0 | — | 2–3 | — | 1–2 | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group G Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | MOT | QOS | EFI | QPA | ELG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motherwell | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 11 | Qualification for the second round | — | — | 3–0 | 1–0 | — | |
| 2 | Queen of the South | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 8 | 3–3p | — | 0–0p | — | — | ||
| 3 | East Fife | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 7 | — | — | — | p0–0 | 3–1 | ||
| 4 | Queen's Park | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 4 | — | 1–2 | — | — | 5–0 | ||
| 5 | Elgin City | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | −11 | 0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | — | — | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Group H Edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | STM | FOR | ARB | MON | COW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St Mirren | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 9 | Qualification for the second round | — | 4–0 | 4–0 | — | — | |
| 2 | Forfar Athletic | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 9 | — | — | 3–1 | — | 1–0 | ||
| 3 | Arbroath | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 8 | −3 | 5 | — | — | — | 3–0 | p1–1 | ||
| 4 | Montrose | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 5 | 1–0 | 1–2 | — | — | — | ||
| 5 | Cowdenbeath | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 2 | 0–1 | — | — | 1–1p | — |
Rules for classification: 1) goal difference, 2) goals scored, 3) away goals scored, 4) matches won, 5) away matches won, 6) drawing of lots.[5]
Best runners-up Edit
| Pos | Grp | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Stirling Albion | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 10 | Qualification for the second round |
| 2 | D | Greenock Morton | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 9 | |
| 3 | F | Raith Rovers | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 9 | |
| 4 | C | Hamilton Academical | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 9 | |
| 5 | E | Dundee | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 9 | |
| 6 | H | Forfar Athletic | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 9 | |
| 7 | B | Falkirk | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 5 | +3 | 8 | |
| 8 | G | Queen of the South | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 8 |
Knockout phase Edit
Second round Edit
Draw and seeding Edit
Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian entered the competition at this stage, due to their participation in UEFA club competitions. They joined the three group winners with the best records as the eight seeded sides. The other five group winners and the three best runners up were the unseeded sides.[2]
Teams in bold advanced to the quarter-finals.
| Seeded | Unseeded |
|---|---|
Matches Edit
| 19 August 2023 | Livingston | 2–0 | Ayr United | Livingston |
| 15:00 | [17] | Stadium: Almondvale Stadium Attendance: 1,304 Referee: Kevin Clancy |
| 19 August 2023 | St Mirren | 1–0 | Motherwell | Paisley |
| 15:00 |
| [18] | Stadium: St Mirren Park Attendance: 5,241 Referee: Willie Collum |
| 20 August 2023 | Hibernian | 2–1 | Raith Rovers | Edinburgh |
| 14:00 | [19] |
| Stadium: Easter Road Attendance: 8,674 Referee: Nick Walsh |
| 20 August 2023 | Heart of Midlothian | 4–0 | Partick Thistle | Edinburgh |
| 14:00 | [20] | Stadium: Tynecastle Park Attendance: 12,841 Referee: John Beaton |
| 20 August 2023 | Kilmarnock | 1–0 | Celtic | Kilmarnock |
| 15:00 |
| [21] | Stadium: Rugby Park Attendance: 8,002 Referee: Alan Muir |
Quarter-finals Edit
The draw took place on Sunday 20 August 2023 following the Kilmarnock v Celtic match live on Viaplay Sports 1.[22]
Teams in bold advanced to the semi-finals.
| 26 September 2023 | Kilmarnock | 1–2 | Heart of Midlothian | Kilmarnock |
| 19:45 |
| [23] | Stadium: Rugby Park Attendance: 6,014 Referee: Steven McLean |
| 27 September 2023 | Ross County | 1–2 | Aberdeen | Dingwall |
| 19:45 | [25] | Stadium: Victoria Park Attendance: 4,637 Referee: John Beaton |
| 27 September 2023 | Rangers | 4–0 | Livingston | Glasgow |
| 20:00 | [26] | Stadium: Ibrox Stadium Attendance: 35,420 Referee: Willie Collum |
Semi-finals Edit
The draw took place on Wednesday 27 September 2023 following the Rangers v Livingston match live on Viaplay Sports 1.[27]
| 4 November 2023 | Hibernian | v | Aberdeen | Glasgow |
| 17:15 | Stadium: Hampden Park |
| 5 November 2023 | Heart of Midlothian | v | Rangers | Glasgow |
| 15:00 | Stadium: Hampden Park |
Media coverage Edit
The domestic broadcasting rights for the competition are held exclusively by Viaplay Sports, who will broadcast between 12 and 16 live matches per season, as well as highlights.[28]
The following matches will be broadcast live on UK television:
| Round | Date | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Group stage | 15 July 2023 | Raith Rovers v Dunfermline Athletic[29] |
| 18 July 2023 | Dundee United v Partick Thistle[29] | |
| 22 July 2023 | Motherwell v Queen's Park[29] | |
| 25 July 2023 | Falkirk v Dundee United[29] | |
| 30 July 2023 | Dundee v Inverness Caledonian Thistle[29] | |
| Second round | 19 August 2023 | Rangers v Greenock Morton[30] |
| 20 August 2023 | Kilmarnock v Celtic[30] | |
| Quarter-Finals | 26 September 2023 | Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian[31] |
| 27 September 2023 | Rangers v Livingston[31] | |
| Semi-Finals | 4 November 2023 | Hibernian v Aberdeen[32] |
| 5 November 2023 | Heart of Midlothian v Rangers[32] |
References Edit
- ^ a b c d e "Date set for Viaplay Cup draw". SPFL. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ a b c d "2023/24 Viaplay Cup draw seedings". SPFL. 7 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ . SPFL. 7 December 2015. Archived from the original on 22 March 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group A". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Format". SPFL. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group B". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group C". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group D". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group E". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group F". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group G". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup Group H". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Summary - League Cup". Soccerway. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
- ^ "Stirling Albion vs. Aberdeen - 18 August 2023". Soccerway. 18 August 2023. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ "Rangers vs. Greenock Morton - 19 August 2023". Soccerway. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Airdrieonians vs. Ross County - 19 August 2023". Soccerway. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Livingston vs. Ayr United - 19 August 2023". Soccerway. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "St Mirren vs. Motherwell - 19 August 2023". Soccerway. 19 August 2023. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
- ^ "Hibernian vs. Raith Rovers - 20 August 2023". Soccerway. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Heart of Midlothian vs. Partick Thistle - 20 August 2023". Soccerway. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Kilmarnock vs. Celtic - 20 August 2023". Soccerway. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Viaplay Cup draw on Sunday". SPFL. 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "Kilmarnock vs. Hearts - 26 September 2023". Soccerway. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
- ^ "Hibernian vs. St. Mirren - 27 September 2023". Soccerway. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Ross County vs. Aberdeen - 27 September 2023". Soccerway. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Rangers vs. Livingston - 27 September 2023". Soccerway. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Viaplay Cup semi-final draw". SPFL. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- ^ "Premier Sports to sponsor League Cup". SPFL. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Viaplay Cup group stage fixtures". SPFL. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
- ^ a b "Viaplay Cup R2 fixture details". SPFL. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Viaplay Cup quarter-final update". SPFL. 21 August 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Viaplay Cup semi-final details". SPFL. 28 September 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2023.