Two sides operating at opposing ends of the Scottish Premiership come together on Saturday afternoon when fourth-placed Kilmarnock host relegation-threatened Ross County at the BBSP Stadium Rugby Park.
The hosts are in fourth coming into this game, two points ahead of fifth-placed St Mirren, while the visitors are 11th but just a point behind 10th-placed St Johnstone.
Match preview
© Reuters
Kilmarnock had a difficult time in the Scottish Premiership last season, going into the post-season split in 11th position before picking up nine points in the following five games to avoid playing in the relegation playoff match.
Derek McInnes's men have been much improved this time around, finding themselves operating in the top half of the table since matchday 10, and they now have the opportunity to finish in fourth place and earn UEFA Conference League qualification in the process.
While Killie do occupy the fourth spot heading into this one, they are just two points above fifth-placed St Mirren with seven games left to play, including the post-split matches.
If they wish to remain in the UEFA Conference League qualification spot then they must improve on the recent form that has seen them win just one of their last five across all competitions, including a disappointing loss to ninth-placed Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
Kilmarnock's remaining two games before the split give them the perfect opportunity to improve on that form, putting them up against 11th-placed Ross County in their next match and 10th-placed St Johnstone in the final outing before the split.
While the home side are the stronger team on paper, the visitors have won three of the last six meetings between the two and are unbeaten in the two encounters so far this season, winning 1-0 and drawing 0-0.
Despite those two positive results for Ross County, the rest of their campaign has been far from ideal as they find themselves in 11th place and guaranteed to be involved in the relegation round for the second consecutive year.
Having finished sixth in 2021-22, the Staggies failed to build upon the top-half finish and dropped all the way into the bottom two at the end of last season.
They went into the post-split matches at the bottom of the table but were able to move into the relegation playoff game, which saw them dramatically come from 2-0 down in the first leg to win 3-1 in the second and eventually secure their spot in the top flight with a penalty victory over Partick Thistle.
This season has been more of the same for Ross County, with spells of nine and 10 outings without victory resulting in them once again being involved in the battle to stay in the Scottish Premiership.
Don Cowie's side are 10 points clear of 12th-placed Livingston at the bottom of the league, but they will have to pick up points if they are to avoid yet another relegation playoff match this campaign.
Team News
Kilmarnock are set to continue without the services of Bradley Lyons and Kyle Magennis for this one as they continue their recovery from injuries that have kept them out since December.
Midfielder Liam Donnelly was taken off in the hosts' draw with Hearts last weekend, and he is doubtful for this one.
Elsewhere, McInnes will be able to name a forward line of Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins, with the pair recording seven goal contributions between them in the last four matches.
As for the visitors, they will be coming into this game with a lengthy injury list that is expected to keep up to four players out of the action.
Ross Callachan has not made an appearance since March 2023 due to a cruciate ligament problem, while William Nightingale and Scott Allardice also remain on the treatment table for this game.
Dylan Smith suffered an ankle injury in a 2-0 loss to St Mirren in December and the defender could make his return to the squad for this one.
Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Deas; Armstrong, Watson, Polworth, Kennedy; Watkins, Vassell
Ross County possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Ayina, Baldwin, Leak; Efete, Randall, Loturi, Reid; Dhanda; Sims, Murray
We say: Kilmarnock 2-1 Ross County
Matches between these two sides have produced rather even contests in recent years, but Kilmarnock have enjoyed three wins in the last five meetingso at Rugby Park, and we think they will win again in this one too.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
