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

Struggling Kilmarnock play host to Hearts at Rugby Park when the Scottish Premiership returns on Saturday.

The East Ayrshire side held St Johnstone to a 1-1 draw before the international break, but HMFC were beaten 3-0 at in-form Aberdeen.

Match preview

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Kilmarnock were tipped to struggle after gaining promotion, and Derek McInnes's team have had the going tough in the top flight since the start of the campaign.

Killie are third-bottom in the Premiership after 29 games, only three points off cellar-dwelling Dundee United, with Ross County sandwiched between the clubs.

The club from East Ayrshire have struggled defensively all season, evidenced by the concession of 51 goals this term, outdoing every club in the bottom half except Dundee Utd.

With their defence ever so leaky, the absence of goals at the other end has also been a worry, and Killie are the Premiership's lowest scorer with 24 goals heading into round 30.

Only one victory in 2023 from 10 league games highlights the team's struggles for results, a situation they strive to change on Saturday.

On the other hand are Hearts, whose third-place ranking ostensibly ought to make them heavy favourites for success this weekend.

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However, it is not so straightforward owing to the Jambos' recent results in the competition, which have seen them lose three of their last four league matches.

The most recent was a 3-0 reverse at Aberdeen, the club directly below Hearts in the table, but Robbie Neilson's troops still hold a four-point lead over the side in fourth.

Indeed, it is to HMFC's credit that the Reds are still four points adrift despite their three defeats in four, indicating Neilson's team already held a healthy lead over the North East Scotland outfit before this undesirable sequence.

Hearts are guaranteed a spot in the top three regardless of this weekend's result, with four points separating them from fifth and 28 points between third and Rangers in second means they are not rising in the standings either.

The goals have flowed in recent matches between these clubs, with 16 goals netted in the preceding four league matches.

Hearts defeated Kilmarnock 3-1 in mid-December, and the first encounter in October ended 2-2, so Killie are not fancied for a win against Neilson's troops.

Team News

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Ben Chrisene tore his knee ligaments mid-January, ruling out the Kilmarnock left-back for a few months.

McInness is expected to continue with the 3-5-2 he has leaned on recently.

Hearts' long-term injury absentees Beni Baningime, Liam Boyce, Craig Halkett, Craig Gordon and Gary Mackay-Steven are not expected to play any part in this weekend's trip.

Alex Cochrane was withdrawn after 34 minutes with HMFC 3-0 down at Aberdeen a fortnight back, but the wide defender should hold on to his left wing-back spot.

Neilson is not expected to deviate from the 3-4-3, despite opting for a 3-5-2 against Celtic in early March.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Walker; Mayo, Taylor, Wright; Armstrong, McKenzie, Polworth, Power, Chambers; Doidge, Vassell

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Hill, Sibbick, Rowles; Smith, Kiomourtzoglou, Snodgrass, Cochrane; Shankland, Ginnelly, McKay

We say: Kilmarnock 2-2 Hearts

Kilmarnock have a decent record at Rugby Park, even if wins have been a rarity, losing just one of their home games in 2023 — a 3-2 defeat by second-place Rangers.

Hearts have lost their last three on the road but have fared well against Saturday's opponents, and it could be another goal-fest this weekend.

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