THE Scottish League Cup last 16 ties take place over the weekend and because they have the daunting trip to Celtic Park, Dunfermline have not been cut from a pre-tournament price of 100/1 to win the competition.

The full list is as follows: Celtic 5/4 (Betfred), Rangers 3/1, Aberdeen 16/1 (Betvictor), Hibernian 16/1 (Skybet/Betfred), Hearts 25/1 (Betfred), Kilmarnock 25/1 (Betvictor/Betfred), Motherwell 33/1 (Betvictor), Livingston 33/1, Ross County 33/1 (Skybet/Betfred), Dundee 50/1, Partick 66/1 (Betvictor), Morton 80/1 (Betfred), Hamilton 80/1 (Betfred), Dunfermline 100/1, Forfar 100/1, East Fife 500/1. Most bookmakers will pay each way terms ⅓ odds, 1,2 a place and with that in mind, Aberdeen look a decent each-way bet at the prices.

The Dons’ chances will be enhanced if Dunfermline can pull off the mother of all upsets at Parkhead but the bookmakers have summarily dismissed their chances. Celtic are 1/14 (Bet365/Skybet) to win in 90 minutes; a draw 13/1 (Betfair Sportsbook) and the Pars a whopping 45/1 (Coral). The Bhoys are 1/50 with Skybet to qualify for the quarter-finals, the Pars 12/1. Handicap-wise, Celtic -3 is 17/10 (Paddy Power), Dunfermline +3 5/4 (Coral) and a tie 10/3. Total goals is pitched at over 3.5 4/6 (Coral), under 3.5 6/5. Celtic could be smarting from yet another early Champions League exit and Dunfermline suffer the backlash but the prices look about right.

Prediction: Celtic 3 Dunfermline 0.

The Old Firm are also expected to easily account for Fife opposition in Sunday’s live encounter at the Bayview Stadium (BT Sport 1, 3pm). Rangers come to Methil and are 1/10 to get through the tie in 90 minutes. East Fife are 28/1 and a draw 11/1 (Betfair Sportsbook). The Gers are 1/25 to progress to the last eight; the Fifers 9/1. Rangers are 11/5 (Bet365) off a -3 handicap; East Fife are evens at +3 and a tie is 15/4 (Bet365). Total goals are over 3.5 8/11 (Skybet/Bet365) and under 3.5 6/5 (Betvictor). The Fifers have done superbly to beat both Dundee United and Hearts (on penalties) to squeeze through the group stages but the League 1 minnows could be heading for a scudding here.

Prediction: East Fife 1 Rangers 4.

Motherwell versus Hearts (BT Sport 1, Friday 7.45pm) is the other televised game and this clash is perceived to be much more competitive. The Well are 7/4 (Bet365); a draw 12/5 (Skybet/Betvictor) and the Jambos 17/10 (Skybet). Hearts are 10/11 (Skybet) to make it through, Motherwell 20/21 (Boylesports).

Prediction: Motherwell 1 Hearts 1 (Hearts to win on penalties).

The Rugby World Cup warm-up friendlies continue on Saturday and France entertain Scotland at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice (Premier Sports, 8.05pm). France are 4/9, Scotland 2/1 and a draw 28/1 (Boylesports). The French are even money on a -6 handicap and the Scots 10/11 at +6 (Paddy Power are 22/1 a tie).

Wales play England at the Principality Stadium in a reverse fixture from last week (Channel 4, 2.15pm). Wales are 11/10, England 10/11 (Hills) and a draw 28/1 (Boylesports).