Preview: Kilmarnock vs. St Mirren - prediction, team news, lineups

Kilmarnock will host St Mirren on Saturday in their latest Scottish Premiership fixture, and one that could play a big factor in the race for European positions.

The visitors currently occupy fourth position, but with Killie only a point behind them, there is a lot on the line this weekend.

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Match preview

Kilmarnock have been struggling for consistency lately in all competitions, having drawn, won and lost twice in their previous six games which is something they need to focus on changing.

Considering Killie are currently fighting for a European place there is a need for them to start picking up regular results, and kick-starting that this weekend would guarantee they move into fourth place.

A victory would see them overtake St Mirren in the table, but they will also be aiming to push away from Dundee as are only four points behind them.

However, after a surprising defeat in the Scottish Cup during their most recent outing there will be increased pressure on the team to provide a result for the fans.

Killie boasts a strong home record, though, and coupled with the fact that St Mirren have typically struggled away from home this season it has all the markings of a tight contest.

The visitors head into the game in the commanding position because a draw would keep them in the top four, but if the Buddies want to put pressure on those above them then all three points will be crucial.

St Mirren head into this weekend on the back of three matches without a loss, and that included a frantic fixture during their most recent outing against Aberdeen.

The Dons had taken a one-goal lead in the first minute of their match, but the Buddies refused to give up and ended up taking all three points after a fantastic performance in additional time.

Goals from Mark O'Hara and Toyosi Olusanya in the 96th and 97th minute showcased St Mirren's ability to fight until the final minute, which is something that will serve the team well heading into the latter stages of the season.

However, the Buddies have failed to defeat Kilmarnock during their previous two meetings this season, which is something they will be keen to put right this time out.

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Team News

Kyle Magennis remains on the sidelines for Kilmarnock as he has been dealing with a hamstring injury since December, and he is joined by Bradley Lyons who is also unavailable due to injury.

The strike partnership of Marley Watkins and Kyle Vassell will likely continue to work together for Killie as they have for the majority of the campaign.

Both O'Hara and Olusanya will be hoping to feature in the starting lineup for St Mirren this time around after both of them came from the bench to score against Aberdeen.

The Buddies also have injury problems to consider as well, with Connor McMenamin and Ryan Strain both unavailable, which is something that has to be considered.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup: Dennis; Wright, Deas, Findlay, Ndaba; Armstrong, Polworth, Donnelly, Kennedy; Watkins, Vassell

St Mirren possible starting lineup: Hemming; Bolton, Gogic, Fraser; Bwomono, Kwon, Boyd-Munce, Tanser; Jamieson, Kiltie, Mandron

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We say: Kilmarnock 1-1 St Mirren

Each team desperately needs points in a bid to try and continue their fight for a European position and that could lead to a cautious match.

Because of that, it would not be a surprise to see them battle out a draw and ultimately share the points.

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

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