CELTIC will take on Falkirk at Parkhead on a Friday night as they kick off their defence of the Premier Sports League Cup.
The holders also face the unusual kick-off time of 7.45pm on August 15 with the last-16 tie televised live by Premier Sports.
The date and starting time will not suit fans travelling long distances to get to the east end of Glasgow, but the trophy sponsors are calling the shots.
THE SPOILS OF WAR…Brendan Rodgers holds the newly-won Premier Sports League Cup as he takes the silverware back to the Celtic dressing room at Hampden.
Brendan Rodgers’ men go into competitive action on Sunday at 4.30pm against St Mirren on Flag Day in Paradise and a week later they travel to Pittodrie for the 12.30pm commencement against Aberdeen.
That will prepare the champions for the League Cup opener against the Premiership new boys five days later.
The Hoops claimed the trophy with a 5-4 penalty-kick shoot-out victory over Philippe Clement’s Ibrox outfit in mid-December last year after the showpiece had finished in a 3-3 stalemate following extra-time.
The Hampden runners-up are at home to Alloa and will play their tie with a 5.45pm kick-off.
Premier Sports League Cup schedule and TV times.
Friday August 15
CELTIC v Falkirk (Premier Sports 1, 7.45pm)
Saturday August 16
Morton v Aberdeen, Partick Thistle v Ayr United, St Johnstone v Motherwell, St Mirren v Hearts (all Premier Sports Player, 3pm)
Rangers v Alloa (Premier Sports 1, 5.45pm)
Sunday August 17
Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Livingston v Hibs (both Premier Sports Player, 3pm).
