Scottish League Cup in unprecedented spotlight on 80th birthday

Let us get those strange rules out the way first.

In addition to Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United, Hibernian and Rangers being catapulted into the last 16 while they play in Europe, the seven other teams from last season’s Premiership are seeded.

As a result, relegated Ross County are in a group with no current Premiership sides, while Group H has two – Kilmarnock and promoted Livingston.

However, it is not just the group winners who progress – there are three places for the best runners-up after the sides play one another just once.

Nevertheless, Livingston’s visit to Rugby Park on Wednesday could be vital to both their chances and is one of the biggest games of the group stage.

Yes, that is another odd rule. No luck of the draw here as the top-ranked side always get home advantage against the group’s second seeds.

What makes the League Cup even more unusual is what happens if there is a draw.

While both sides, just like in any other league, receive a point each, the match, without extra-time, goes to a penalty shoot-out, with the winners taking what can often be a crucial bonus point.