Preview: Kilmarnock vs Dundee - prediction, team news, lineups

Kilmarnock and Dundee, both searching for their first league wins of the Scottish Premiership season, are set to clash on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts have drawn 2-2 in each of their first two league matches, while the visitors have drawn one and lost one of their two league games.

Match preview

Kilmarnock had an underwhelming 2024-25 season in comparison to their 2023-24 campaign, dropping from a fourth-placed finish to placing ninth and battling against relegation.

Killie ended the regular campaign just one point above the drop zone, though they did eventually finish seven points above the bottom two thanks to three wins from five post-split fixtures.

Manager Derek McInnes departed at the end of the season to join Hearts, with Stuart Kettlewell appointed ahead of a campaign where Killie will be aiming to climb back up the standings.

Kettlewell has made a strong start to life at his new club, recording three wins and one draw in the Scottish League Cup group stage, followed by back-to-back 2-2 draws in the league and a 2-1 win in the second round of the cup.

Killie squandered a 2-0 lead as they drew 2-2 to Livingston in their opening league match before coming from 2-0 down to draw with Hibernian on matchday two, leaving Kettlewell's side still searching for their first win.

Following their 2-1 win over Dundee United in the cup last time out, Kilmarnock will be confident of securing their first three points as they host Dundee on Saturday.

The Dee have had a mixed start to the campaign, losing three, drawing one and winning two of their opening six fixtures across all competitions.

New boss Steven Pressley had a disastrous start to his rein as Dundee lost their first two Scottish League Cup group games, confirming their elimination from the competition despite going on to win both of the final two fixtures in Group C.

They had a similarly disappointing start to the league term as they were utterly dominated by Hibernian in a 2-1 loss, with Hibs having 68% possession and a significant 15 shots to Dundee's two.

However, the Dark Blue were much improved in their matchday two clash with Rangers, taking a 1-0 lead through Ryan Astley before devastatingly conceding a penalty in the 92nd-minute, with the game ending 1-1.

Regardless of the heartbreaking late equaliser, Pressley will be happy with this teams performance against the Gers, and the manager will be looking for his side to build on that showing and result against Killie.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

D D

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

W D D W D W

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

D L

Dundee form (all competitions):

D L W W L L

Team News

Kilmarnock have a fully fit squad available to choose from on Saturday's clash, and Kettlewell could decide to keep a largely unchanged team from their cup victory over Dundee Utd.

Bradley Lyons returned to the starting team in that match, and he could keep his place in a back three alongside Lewis Mayo and Robbie Deas.

As for the visitors, Cesar Garza, Charlie Reilly and Simon Murray are all unlikely to feature for Dundee due to ongoing injury issues, while Ashley Hay and Joe Westley are doubts after coming off injured last time out.

Emile Acquah could return to the team in attack, while an unchanged midfield and defence from their 1-1 draw with Rangers is likely to be named.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Lyons, Mayo, Deas; Brandon, Watson, Polworth, Schilte-Brown, Brannan; Daniels, Dackers

Dundee possible starting lineup:

McCracken; Wright, Astley, C Robertson, Graham, Samuels; Jones, Digby, F Robertson; Acquah, Hay

We say: Kilmarnock 2-1 Dundee

Kilmarnock have drawn each of their opening two league fixtures, but after beating the Dee's rivals Dundee Utd in the cup last time out, the hosts will be boosted heading into this one, and we expect the home team to secure the victory here.

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