Scottish Championship side Livingston will face Cove Rangers from Scottish League One on Saturday afternoon in their fifth-round Scottish FA Cup clash.
The hosts advanced to this stage after beating Ross County 3-2, while the visitors secured their spot by defeating Forfar Athletic 2-0 in the fourth round.
Match preview
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Livingston suffered a disappointing relegation from the Scottish Premiership last season, finishing rock bottom of the table as their six-year stay in the top flight came to an end.
Aiming for an instant promotion from the Scottish Championship, David Martindale, in charge since November 2020, has the Lions competing for the title after 23 matches played.
Livingston sit third in the table with 45 points from 13 wins, six draws and four defeats, leaving them just two points behind league leaders Ayr United and a point behind second-placed Falkirk.
The Lions, after losing three matches in a row through December and January, are now heading into this one unbeaten in their last five outings, having secured five successive victories.
Aiming to maintain that positive momentum in order to help their title charge in the Scottish Championship, while also looking to advance their Scottish FA Cup campaign, Livingston will be hopeful of making it six consecutive victories in this one.
The hosts will be the favourites to record the win on Saturday, as they not only boast the home advantage, but their visitors also compete a division below Livingston in Scottish League One.
Cove Rangers are also enjoying a strong season, battling for the Scottish League One title as they aim to secure their promotion back to the second division after suffering relegation in 2022-23.
The Toonsers are currently second in the standings with 34 points after 22 matches, from 10 wins, four draws and eight defeats, leaving them only a point behind leaders Stenhousemuir while also holding a game in hand.
Paul Hartley, in charge since January 2023, has guided his side to three consecutive wins coming into this one, a streak they will be hopeful of extending on Saturday.
A victory in this round would see Cove Rangers progress into the sixth round of the cup for the first time in their history, but their recent matchups with Livingston suggest they may struggle, having lost all of the last three encounters.
Team News
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Livingston are heading into this game having won all of the last five matches, meaning Martindale could decide to name a similar starting lineup for this match.
Robbie Muirhead has scored 10 goals in 28 appearances for Livingston this season, including goals in each of the last two outings, and he is expected to start in attack here.
As for Cove Rangers, they have secured three consecutive wins coming into this one, meaning Hartley may also look to field a largely unchanged 11.
Mitchel Megginson is Cove Rangers's top scorer with 11 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, and the striker will lead the line alongside Adam Emslie here.
Livingston possible starting lineup:
Prior; Nottingham, McGowan, Wilson, Clarke; McAlear, Brandon, Tait; Montano, May, Muirhead
Cove Rangers possible starting lineup:
Suman; Lobban, Doyle, Darge, Harrington; Fyvie, Marshall, Scully; Glass; Emslie, Megginson
We say: Livingston 3-1 Cove Rangers
Both teams are enjoying positive campaigns, but with Livingston boasting the home advantage and competing a tier above their visitors, we believe the hosts will win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
