As usual, Scotland's European representatives are not involved in the League Cup until the last 16 stage.

But other 40 teams start the journey to Hampden in eight groups of five, with the winners and three best runners-up joining Aberdeen, holders Celtic, Dundee United, Hibernian and Rangers in the knockout stage.

Remember that one of the quirks of this competition is what happens if there is a draw after 90 minutes.

There's no extra time, with each side taking a point, but there is a bonus point available to the winners of a penalty shootout.

Read more.

Some managers have complained that the League Cup has been undermined because the competition's early start means they have yet to complete their summer transfer activity.

Others say they prefer an early start to competitive games to pre-season friendlies.

Today's line-ups could be an indication of how seriously some are taking the competition.

But Premier Sports extending its deal with Scottish Professional Football League organisers to broadcast the League Cup until 2031 shows it is certainly seeing the competition's value.

Group A

Brechin City v Falkirk

Spartans v Queen's Park

Group B

Stranraer v Ross County

Group C

Bonnyrigg Rose v Alloa Athletic

Dundee v Airdrieonians

Group D

Annan Athletic v Forfar Athletic

Arbroath v St Mirren

Group E

Heart of Midlothian v Dunfermline Athletic (17:15)

Stirling Albion v Hamilton Academical

Group F

East Kilbride v St Johnstone

Elgin City v Raith Rovers

Group G

Clyde v Motherwell

Peterhead v Greenock Morton

Group H

Brora Rangers v Kilmarnock

East Fife v Livingston

The build-up to today's matches has just started on BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

Tune in by pressing the button at the top of the page.

Image source, SNS

The 80th anniversary edition of the Scottish League Cup began quietly last night with Partick Thistle winning 4-1 away to Edinburgh City.

But it bursts fully into life today with 15 more games in the group stage of what is now branded as the Premier Sports Cup.

Stay with us for live BBC Radio Scotland's commentary from two games and score updates from the others.

Image source, SNS