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Hearts logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 2
Aug 13, 2023 at 3pm UK
Tynecastle Park
Kilmarnock logo

Hearts
0 - 0
Kilmarnock


Shankland (30'), Devlin (40'), Atkinson (55')
FT

Armstrong (67'), Lyons (85'), McKenzie (90+3'), Donnelly (90+5')

Preview: Hearts vs. Kilmarnock - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash between Hearts and Kilmarnock, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two of only four teams to win on the opening day of the new Scottish Premiership campaign will meet this Saturday in a bid to continue their perfect starts to the season.

Hearts will have the home advantage and will be attempting to get back to winning ways following a midweek European defeat, meanwhile, Kilmarnock should be well-rested from their win over Rangers.


Match preview

Hearts' Andy Halliday celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on October 27, 2022© Reuters

Hearts thrived on the opening day of the campaign by picking up three points against St Johnstone while putting together an impressive performance at the same time.

It took Frankie McAvoy's men a while to break down the Saints in that game, but the persistence and patience was something that paid off with a goal in the 75th minute from Yutaro Oda breaking the deadlock.

That continued as they entered the 96th minute when Lawrence Shankland secured all three points for Hearts, and the clean sheet also highlighting the defensive structure of the team.

The Jambos are currently second in the Scottish Premiership with only goal difference between them and Celtic, and the focus for MacAvoy will certainly be on keeping the pressure on them.

Considering the fact they were over 40 points behind Celtic last season, the aim for Hearts will be to shrink that this time around, but they will need a stronger performance than their midweek one.

Hearts competed in the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, but ultimately fell short with a 2-1 defeat, despite a late goal from Shankland.

Kilmarnock players in action against Celtic on April 16, 2023© Reuters

The visitors will be aiming to add to that defeat on Saturday when they make the trip to Tynecastle Stadium as Kilmarnock also hope to remain undefeated this season.

Even though they only just avoided relegation last season, Derek McInnes guided his team to a perfect start, despite the fact they had the daunting task of an away fixture against Rangers.

Kilmarnock stood firm throughout the match, keeping a clean sheet against the attacking quality of the Gers, with Brad Lyons scoring the only goal of the game.

Following up that performance will now be crucial for Kilmarnock as they look to create some momentum early on in the season, especially since picking up as many points as possible early on could prove to be vital.

Killie struggled massively away from home last season, winning just two matches throughout the entire campaign, which is something that they will need to address this season.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:
  • W

Hearts form (all competitions):


Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:
  • W

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):



Team News

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes reacts on April 16, 2023© Reuters

After two goals in as many games, Shankland is sure to be part of the attack as he aims to continue his recent momentum to keep causing problems for opposing teams.

New signing Kenneth Vargas is also set to provide competition when it comes to the attacking options within the Hearts starting lineup.

Will Dennis made an impact on his debut for Kilmarnock by keeping a clean sheet, and it is likely that he will be retaining his place between the sticks this time around.

Fraser Murray was only used as a substitute in the opening day of the season despite his impressive Scottish League Cup performances, but he could end up being an option from the first whistle this time around.


Hearts possible starting lineup:
Clark; Atkinson, Kent, Rowles, Kingsley; Nieuwenhof, Haring, Grant; Oda, Shankland, Forrest

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Dennis; Mayo, Findlay, Deas; Murray, Lyons, Magennis, Kennedy; Armstrong, Cameron, Watkins


SM words green background

We say: Hearts 2-0 Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock might have provided the biggest upset of the opening weekend, but they will still head into this match as the underdogs overall.

Considering the poor away form that Kilmarnock displayed last season and the quality of the Hearts squad, it should be the hosts taking all three points.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a home win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home Win:data


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Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

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Game History

How you voted: Hearts vs Kilmarnock

Hearts
77.4%
Draw
6.5%
Kilmarnock
16.1%
31
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before the match on July 29, 2023
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2RangersRangers1611232891935
3Aberdeen17104331211034
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren187382429-524
7Dundee175482730-319
8Hibernian184682430-618
9Kilmarnock184681935-1618
10Ross County183691435-2115
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


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