SCOTTISH football aficionado Gerry Taylor (@thefurlongpole) shares his verdict on Saturday afternoon’s tussle between Cove Rangers and Hibs in the Scottish League Cup.
Cove Rangers vs Hibs | Saturday 10th October 2020, 12:30 | Premier Sports
Cove Rangers come in off two back-to back promotions, and line up at Balmoral Stadium against Premiership opposition in Hibs. It will be Cove’s first ever live TV match, so they should be well up for it.
Much-changed Hibs
In his midweek 3-1 win against Highland League outfit Brora in this competition, Jack Ross made eight changes to his Hibernian starting line-up from his previous league win against Hamilton.
Ross has several players away on international duty – and he may be missing an additional couple of players since midweek, as winger Jamie Murphy came off injured and defender Paul McGinn has received a late call up to join his brother John on Scotland duty.
The Easter Road boss had the luxury of starting with his first-choice attacking trio of Martin Boyle, Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge on the bench on Wednesday, but could start with them in this one.
Cove’s goal threat
One thing that Paul Hartley’s League One hosts have brought to the SPFL since arriving on the scene is goals:
- Cove’s goals scored in League Two matches this calendar year reads: 7-3-2-2-0-2-2-3-5-2.
- Striker Mitch Megginson scored a very impressive 24 goals in just 25 starts. Netting 14 goals in his last 11 matches prior to lockdown.
- Midfielder Jamie Masson was pretty prolific too – scoring 15 times in 27 games.
The Aberdeen-based side have also signed Leighton McIntosh who will score plenty this season, and can also call on the prolific veteran Rory McAllister.
If ever a lower league side would fancy their chances against a Premiership side, perhaps it is here. The home team impressively haven’t lost at home since a 2-1 League Cup defeat to Hearts in July 2018. Rangers also played very well in pre-season games especially against Championship team Dundee – drawing 1-1 at Dens Park.
Hibs will have nowhere near a first-choice XI out, and the ambitious free- scoring Cove outfit are sure to give it a right good go.
This game suggests goals. Cove are priced up at a massive 16/1 to win, but more conservatively I like BetVictor’s 10/3 for Cove to score Over 1.5 Goals against the second-choice Hibs back-line. Hartley will undoubtedly be hoping for an upset against his former club.
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Cove Rangers vs Hibs – Cove Rangers to score Over 1.5 Goals (10/3 BetVictor)
