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

Kilmarnock will be looking to continue their recent upturn in form when they entertain the challenge of Hearts at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the away side will be seeking to get themselves back to winning ways having seen their three-game unbeaten streak end last time out.

Match preview

© Reuters

Kilmarnock made it three victories from their four matches courtesy of a 2-0 triumph over St Johnstone at the McDiarmid Park two Saturdays ago.

Derek McInnes's men broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Joe Wright after which Marley Watkins sealed the deal nine minutes from time.

Consequently, the Pride of Ayrshire remain fourth in the Scottish Premiership table, a whopping eight points clear of fifth-placed St Mirren.

On the horizon next is the task of facing off against an opposing outfit who have been beaten in just one of the most recent seven editions of this fixture.

Unbeaten in 10 of 11 matches on home turf leading up to this weekend's affair, Saturday's hosts will be confident of securing another positive result in front of their fans.

© Reuters

Hearts were knocked out of the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup as they fell to a 2-0 loss against Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon.

Goals in both halves from Cyriel Dessers condemned Steven Naismith's men to defeat in a largely one-sided affair in the Scottish capital.

Prior to that, the Gorgie Boys ran out emphatic 4-2 winners against Livingston on April 13 and sit third in the league standings, 11 points clear of their next opponents one place below.

Having let in 10 goals across their last five away outings, Saturday's visitors will need to keep things tight at the back if they are to emerge victorious this weekend.

Team News

Liam Boyce misses out for Hearts due to a leg injury, while defender Craig Hackett is unavailable for selection through a long-term knee problem.

Peter Haring and Calem Nieuwenhof are also out of contention for this weekend's clash, although the latter is drawing increasingly closer to a return to action.

Twenty-five-year-old Kyle Magennis has not featured for Kilmarnock since late September as he continues to recover from a long-term injury.

Marley Watkins has gotten himself on the scoresheet in three of his last four games for the away side, making the Welshman one to keep a close watch on here.

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

Hearts possible starting lineup: Gordon; Kingsley, Rowles, Kent, Atkinson; Devlin, Baningime; Forrest, Grant, Vargas; Shankland

We say: Kilmarnock 1-1 Hearts

The sides boast similar defensive records heading into this one, but Hearts just about have the upper hand offensively. Nonetheless, we are backing a share of the spoils with honours even at the end of the 90 minutes.

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