League Cup group phase sees new foes following changed format
North sides look set to kick-off the new season in their opening cup games.
The draw has been made for the 2022-23 season Premier Sports Cup group phase where the new initial part of the League Cup has been changed from its recent regionalised set-up.
Gone are the North and South leagues with all the sides - bar those in European competition - in the draw.
It could see some tough ties for Elgin City in Group F, with Ayr United, Queen of the South and Annan in their pool. They will also face St Johnstone who recently preserved their Premiership status following their 6-2 aggregate win over Inverness.
Caley Thistle themselves are in Group G, with Premiership side Livingston, newly promoted Cove Rangers and Kelty Hearts and also League 2 strugglers Albion Rovers.
After narrowly missing out on Europe, Ross County headed the draw as the highest ranked side. The Staggies are in Group C, with Dunfermline, Alloa Athletic, East Fife and Highland League side Buckie Thistle.
HFL champions Fraserburgh are in Group B are with Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle, League 1 Montrose and also Stenhousemuir.
The eight group winners - and three best runners-up - will join European representatives Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Dundee United and Motherwell in the last 16.
The full fixture list and TV selections will be published in due course.
Group stage
Matchday 1: Weekend of July 9th/10th
Matchday 2: Midweek of July 12th/13th
Matchday 3: Weekend of July 16th/17th
Matchday 4: Midweek of July 19th/20th
Matchday 5: Weekend of July 23th/24th