Dunfermline Athletic vs Ross County – News and Probable Lineups

In the round of 16 of the Scottish League Cup, Dunfermline Athletic is set to host Ross County at East End Park this Saturday.

The two teams, both from lower leagues, have been drawn against each other in what is the only matchup of its kind in this stage of the competition. Dunfermline finished second in Group C, while Ross County claimed the top spot in Group D.

Match overview

Dunfermline Athletic narrowly missed out on finishing first in Group C solely on goal difference, despite defeating the top team, St Mirren, 1-0 on July 26.

The Scottish Championship team has participated in six matches this season and has only faced one loss. They are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak, with two victories among those.

Under Neil Lennon, the side has managed to keep three clean sheets during this unbeaten run, although they kicked off their league campaign with two draws, placing them sixth in the standings.

Before this season, Dunfermline had struggled to progress beyond the group stage of the League Cup for the last four years, and reaching the quarter-finals would represent their best performance since they got to the last eight in the 2020-21 season.

This term, Dunfermline Athletic has secured two wins and one draw in their three home fixtures, managing to score ten goals while conceding only two. A defeat here would mark their first loss in seven matches at East End Park.

Ross County concluded their group stage campaign by earning 11 points from a possible 12, aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup for the third time in seven years.

The Scottish League One club has been impressive in 2026-27, winning all seven of their matches thus far—one of which was secured via a penalty shootout—and they have conceded just five goals during this stretch.

Currently sitting second in the third tier, Ross County has amassed six points, being one of only two teams in the division with a perfect record after two matchdays.

Stuart Kettlewell’s squad had four encounters with Saturday’s opponents last season, all of which were in the Scottish Championship, resulting in three draws and a solitary defeat in those matches.

The Staggies arrive at East End Park having won all of their away games this season, and they have scored ten goals in those matches.

Team News

Dunfermline Athletic is expected to name a starting XI similar to the one that won against St Mirren, with forwards Callumn Morrison, Zak Rudden, and Andy Tod likely to feature.

If Lennon opts for a double pivot, Kian Corbally could partner Alfons Amade in midfield.

The home side has favored a three-man defense, potentially deploying defenders Sam Cleall-Harding, Luke Robinson, and John Tod in their backline.

Ross County might also adopt a three-man defense, and it is anticipated that center-backs Akil Wright, Dylan Smith, and Lewis Reid will line up alongside a double pivot consisting of Jamie Lindsay and Ross Docherty.

These two will not only be responsible for protecting their defense but will also support attackers Jack Turner, Adam Emslie, and Brian Graham.

Dunfermline Athletic probable starting XI:

Oxborough; Cleall-Harding, Robinson, J Tod; Kearney, Corbally, Amade, Fraser; Morrison, Rudden, A Tod

Ross County probable starting XI:

Foster; Wright, Smith, Reid; Chin, Lindsay, Docherty, Strapp; Turner, Emslie; Graham

Both teams have begun the season well, and Saturday’s fixture could see a tightly contested match.

Dunfermline Athletic benefits from the home advantage and managed to avoid defeat in four matches against Ross County last season, potentially giving them the edge to come out on top in a close encounter.