St Mirren will kick-off the new season on the road on the opening day after the Viaplay Cup fixtures were released by the SPFL.
The Buddies face League One side Montrose at Links Park on Saturday, July 15 as they target getting out of the group following last summer’s disappointment.
It will be a first trip to take on the Gable Endies in 47 years with the sides' last meeting in the north-east a 4-2 victory for Saints in October 1976 when they were both in the First Division. The Paisley outfit went on to lift the title that season.
Stephen Robinson’s men have arguably been given the best run of matches which includes playing on all three Saturdays with just one midweek showdown.
The Paisley men have a full week to prepare for the tricky visit of Dick Campbell’s Arbroath on Saturday, July 22.
Revenge may be the order of the day after the Smokies snatched a 1-0 win when the teams met in the cup last year at the SMiSA Stadium.
It is then an excursion to Fife to face Cowdenbeath of the Lowland League on Tuesday, July 25.
And being back at Central Park will rekindle fond memories for striker Jonah Ayunga who bagged a brace last summer when the sides faced off in the cup to seal a 2-0 victory.
Saints will round off the group stage of the competition with a home clash against the third Angus side in their section, Forfar Athletic on Saturday, July 29.
The cinch Premiership season starts the following weekend. Ahead of the competitive action, Saints have pre-season friendlies lined up at Glentoran, Linfield, Dumbarton and Morton.
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