Queen of the South can see off Northern Ireland champions Crusaders

Scottish Challenge Cup
From 1pm Saturday

Team sheets should be the punter's friend on Saturday when the Challenge Cup minefield returns.

With a bewildering match-up of Scottish, English, Welsh, Irish and Northern Irish clubs in the competition, it's tricky enough.

And finding out which teams are taking the competition seriously is half the battle too.

Queen of the South have stated they are in it to win it though, and they welcome Northern Ireland champions Crusaders to Dumfries.

Gary Naysmith's side are in fine form having recorded a sensational 5-0 win over Ladbrokes Championship leaders Ayr United last week.

A lot of that is down to veteran talisman Stephen Dobbie, whose four-goal haul last week took his tally to a staggering 18 already this term.

Naysmith has stated he will start Dobbie and that alone makes it worth investing on South.

Crusaders have struggled in the early part of their bid to retain their title so far and have already shipped 12 goals in their European adventures this season.

Queen of the South aren't quite at European level admittedly but they will fancy their chances of maintaining their winning ways.

Partick Thistle should get the better of East Fife at Methil.

The Jags have blown hot and cold this season, but showed what they could do last week with a win against high-flying Morton.

Fife have lost three of the four games they have played this season at their New Bayview home and have struggled in Ladbrokes League One.

Thistle could hand a debut to new signing Jai Quitongo, who is capable of playing at a higher level if he can put his injury problems behind him, while Stuart Bannigan may start too.

Jags boss Alan Archibald should have enough in his squad to get the win.

Alloa can win against a youthful Dundee United side at Tannadice.

United will play their reserves with youth coach Craig Easton in charge. He has admitted the squad is suffering from injuries after being hammered by Hearts' second string 5-1 on Monday.

Alloa don't have a big enough squad to rotate and they have twice drawn with United's full team this season. They look overpriced to win against United's kids.