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Premier Sports Cup last 16 draw: How to watch as Celtic, Rangers and Hibs enter competition

Premier Sports Cup Last-16 Draw: How to Watch as Celtic, Rangers, and Hibs Join the Fray

The excitement in Scottish football is building to a crescendo as the Premier Sports Cup progresses to its last-16 stage, with the draw set to determine the matchups that could shape the early knockout rounds of the competition. This year's tournament, formerly known as the Scottish League Cup, continues to captivate fans with its blend of high-stakes drama and opportunities for underdogs to shine. As the group stages conclude, attention turns to the entry of some of the nation's biggest clubs, including reigning champions Celtic, their arch-rivals Rangers, and Edinburgh outfit Hibernian, all of whom are entering the fray at this pivotal juncture. For supporters eager to follow every twist and turn, here's an in-depth guide on how to watch the draw, the teams involved, and what to expect from this crucial phase of the cup.

First, let's set the scene. The Premier Sports Cup, sponsored by the broadcasting giant Premier Sports, is one of Scotland's premier domestic knockout competitions, offering clubs a shot at silverware and a pathway to European qualification in some cases. The format sees 40 teams from across the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and beyond divided into eight groups of five for the initial phase. The group winners, along with the three best runners-up, advance to the last 16. However, to add an extra layer of intrigue, the top clubs—those who participated in European competitions the previous season—receive a bye straight into this round. This year, that elite group includes Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Dundee United, and St Mirren, who all bypassed the groups due to their continental commitments. Joining them are Hibernian, who, while not in Europe last term, benefit from the seeding structure that protects higher-ranked sides.

The draw itself is scheduled to take place immediately following the conclusion of the final group-stage matches, ensuring a seamless transition into the knockout excitement. Typically held at a neutral venue or broadcast studio, this year's event promises to be a must-watch affair, with representatives from the advancing clubs in attendance to witness their fates being decided. For fans, the key question is how to tune in. Premier Sports, as the title sponsor and exclusive broadcaster, will air the draw live on their channels. Subscribers can catch it on Premier Sports 1 or via the Premier Player streaming service, which offers high-definition coverage accessible on smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. Coverage is expected to begin around 6:00 PM BST, though exact timings may vary depending on the completion of the day's fixtures. For those without a subscription, highlights and reactions will be available on the SPFL's official YouTube channel and various social media platforms shortly after the event, providing a free alternative to relive the key moments.

To fully appreciate the draw's significance, it's worth delving into the teams that have already punched their tickets to the last 16 through the group stages. The group winners include a mix of established sides and surprise packages. For instance, Aberdeen, under new management, topped their group with a series of impressive performances, showcasing their attacking flair and defensive solidity. Similarly, Motherwell navigated a tricky section with clinical finishing, while Partick Thistle emerged as a lower-league success story, defying odds to secure advancement. Other qualifiers might include the likes of Falkirk, Airdrieonians, or even Highland League invitees if they've caused upsets—though exact qualifiers depend on the final group results. The three best runners-up add further unpredictability, often featuring teams that just missed out on top spot but demonstrated enough quality to deserve a second chance.

Now, enter the heavyweights. Celtic, the defending champions, are looking to retain their crown after a dominant display in last season's final. Brendan Rodgers' side, fresh off a strong start to the league campaign, will be seeded in the draw, meaning they'll avoid facing fellow seeds in the last 16. This seeding system is designed to prevent early clashes between the biggest clubs, building anticipation for potential later-round blockbusters. Rangers, perennial challengers, are also seeded and enter with high expectations under Philippe Clement. Their squad, bolstered by summer signings, aims to end Celtic's recent dominance in the cup. Hibernian, meanwhile, join as an unseeded team but bring a wealth of experience and a passionate fanbase. Under David Gray, Hibs are rebuilding and see the cup as a prime opportunity to claim glory and boost morale ahead of the league season.

The draw process itself is straightforward yet thrilling. Teams are divided into seeded and unseeded pots. The seeds—Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Dundee United, and St Mirren—will be drawn against the unseeded qualifiers, which include the group winners, runners-up, and Hibs. Draws are conducted by hand, often with former players or pundits pulling the balls, adding a touch of ceremony. Home advantage is typically awarded to the first team drawn, though this can vary based on logistical factors like stadium availability. What makes this stage particularly compelling is the potential for mouthwatering ties. Imagine Celtic drawn against a resurgent Aberdeen, reigniting old rivalries, or Rangers facing off against a plucky lower-division side in a classic David vs. Goliath encounter. For Hibs, a matchup against city rivals Hearts could set up an Edinburgh derby, one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in Scottish football.

Beyond the immediate drama, the last-16 draw carries broader implications for the season. Success in the Premier Sports Cup can provide momentum, especially for teams like Celtic and Rangers, who are juggling domestic and European duties. For mid-table sides or those from the Championship, progressing further means valuable prize money, increased exposure, and the chance to etch their names in folklore. Historically, the cup has produced unforgettable moments—think of St Johnstone's double triumph in 2020-21 or Inverness Caledonian Thistle's shock win in 2015. This year, with the competition rebranded and under new sponsorship, there's a renewed focus on accessibility and fan engagement, including enhanced digital coverage and interactive elements like live polls during the broadcast.

For viewers, Premier Sports enhances the experience with expert analysis. Pundits such as Chris Sutton, a former Celtic striker, and Ally McCoist, the Rangers legend, often provide colorful commentary, breaking down potential matchups and predicting outcomes. The broadcast will likely include interviews with club officials reacting to the draw, offering immediate insights into strategies and preparations. If you're streaming via the Premier Player, features like multi-angle replays and on-demand access ensure you don't miss a beat. International fans aren't left out either; Premier Sports offers global streaming options, making the draw accessible worldwide.

As we approach the event, speculation is rife. Will Celtic draw a favorable tie to ease their path to the quarter-finals? Can Rangers avoid a banana-skin opponent that might derail their campaign? For Hibs, entering unseeded means they could face anyone, from a minnow to a giant, adding to the unpredictability. The last-16 matches themselves are slated for the weekend of August 17-18, giving teams just a short window to prepare. This compressed schedule tests squad depth and managerial acumen, often leading to rotations and tactical surprises.

In summary, the Premier Sports Cup last-16 draw represents a pivotal moment in the Scottish football calendar, blending tradition with modern broadcasting flair. Whether you're a die-hard supporter of Celtic, Rangers, Hibs, or one of the qualifiers, tuning in promises edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Mark your calendars, subscribe if needed, and prepare for the next chapter in what could be a thrilling cup run. With the potential for upsets, derbies, and glory on the line, this is Scottish football at its passionate best.

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Read the Full The Scotsman Article at:
[ https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/premier-sports-cup-last-16-draw-how-to-watch-as-celtic-rangers-and-hibs-enter-competition-5242684 ]