The Betfred League Cup learned the identity of its semi finalists last week as Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Morton all progressed into the last four of the competition.
Following the conclusive quarter-final tie between Aberdeen and St Johnstone, the draw was conducted for the semi finals – and what an intriguing draw it was.
Celtic will face Rangers in a repeat of the League Cup semi final in 2015, whilst Championship side Morton will play Aberdeen at the national stadium.
Both Aberdeen and Celtic had easier pathways into the last four as they didn’t have to compete in the group stages due to their involvement in European football. Celtic overcame Motherwell and Alloa to secure their spot in the last four, whilst Aberdeen beat Ayr and Tommy Wright’s St Johnstone.
Mark Warburton’s Rangers will be aiming for revenge against their bitter rivals Celtic, following the 5-1 defeat earlier in September. And the Gers will be going into next months tie with confidence after a superb League Cup campaign to date.
With four wins from four in the group stage including a victory over Motherwell at Fir Park and dominant displays against Peterhead and Queen of the South, Rangers have been the team to beat in the Betfred Cup. In their six games en route to the semis they have scored 20 goals without conceding any.
Greenock Morton have reached the semi-final of the League Cup for the first time in 37 years, which is already a terrific achievement for Jim Duffy’s team. But the Championship side won’t want it to end at the national stadium next month and will fancy their chances against an Aberdeen side with the pressure firmly on them.
‘The Ton’ went unbeaten in their four group stage games, which included a fine win against Premiership outfit Kilmarnock. With no goals conceded in those four group games it is obvious that Duffy’s side are well drilled in defensive duty whilst also not being shy in front of goal.
Hamilton were up next for the Championship side, but yet again Duffy’s men produced with a 2-1 win at New Douglas Park – yet another top-flight scalp to add to the collection. This certainly sent out a message to the rest of the teams left in the competition and they continued that fine form by defeating fellow Championship side Dundee United in the quarters. There is no reason why Morton can’t go all the way.
The new look League Cup format may have had its critics but it has definitely added a bit of excitement to the early stages of season 16/17, with the final taking place in late November. There have been a number of entertaining ties with teams from the lower leagues certainly holding their own against the Premiership outfits. With group stage ties taking place so early on in the season it gives managers a much better chance to assess their teams ahead of the new season rather than doing so during meaningless pre season games.
Hampden will be the setting for both semi finals with Morton and Aberdeen opening the Betfred League Cup weekend with a 12:15 kick off on Saturday 22nd October before Rangers and Celtic take centre stage on Sunday 23rd with a 2:15 kick off.
Blog by Aidan Smith- 360 Sports Consultancy