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Kilmarnock logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 19
Dec 23, 2023 at 3pm UK
Rugby Park
St Johnstone logo

Kilmarnock
2 - 1
St Johnstone

Watson (6'), Watkins (17')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Clark (61')
Mitov (64')

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

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Kilmarnock will be aiming to extend their current three-match unbeaten run when they play host to St Johnstone on Saturday.

The visitors sit just two points above the Scottish Premiership relegation zone at the moment and will be under pressure to pick up a result.


Match preview

Kilmarnock players in action against Celtic on April 16, 2023© Reuters

Kilmarnock have been stringing together an impressive run of form across the busy winter period lately, with a win over Aberdeen being followed by a huge victory against Celtic.

Killie were the first team to defeat the Hoops in the league this season, and while they were unable to follow that up with a third consecutive victory, this past weekend, they were not beaten either.

Kilmarnock were held to a goalless draw against Livingston, which is a result that will no doubt have frustrated Derek McInnes because the Lions are bottom of the table.

Despite that, his team did continue to showcase great defensive quality which has been a core trait for them throughout the entire campaign.

Only the top three teams in the Scottish Premiership have conceded fewer goals than Kilmarnock this season, which has been one of their major strengths.

Craig Levein in charge of Hearts on April 13, 2019© Reuters

That could prove to be a sticking point for the visitors, though, considering that only Livingston has scored less than them at this stage in the campaign.

St Johnstone have managed just 12 goals across 18 fixtures, which is one of the main reasons the team has struggled to secure points.

The Saints are sat just two points above the relegation zone right now, which adds plenty of pressure onto each fixture until a larger gap is created.

Craig Levein's men were unable to find the back of the net in midweek when they were comfortably defeated 2-0 by Rangers, which brought an end to their own three-match run without a loss.

However, St Johnstone should take confidence from the fact they beat their opponents 2-1 earlier this season when a Nicky Clark brace in the first 10 minutes proved to be too much.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:


Team News

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes on September 21, 2023© Reuters

Kyle Magennis was able to feature against Livingston, but his fitness continues to be a problem as he had to be substituted off despite coming on from the bench in the first place.

It is unlikely he will be risked again, but the performances of Kyle Vassell have been impressive enough for Killie not to be too concerned.

St Johnstone will be without Diallang Jaiyesimi this weekend as he was sent off during their previous outing, which will force a change to who leads the attack on Saturday.

Chris Kane could benefit from that situation, and he will likely be brought in as the lone striker.


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

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:
Mitov; McGowan, Gordon, Robinson; Franczak, Smith, Phillips; Gallacher; Kucheryavyi; Carey, Jaiyesimi


SM words green background

We say: Kilmarnock 2-0 St Johnstone

Kilmarnock are in a brilliant run of form at the moment, and that is something that should continue this weekend against a team near the bottom of the division.

The defensive qualities of the hosts is likely going to be too much for St Johnstone to crack, which will likely be the critical aspect of this game.


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


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic000080265478
2RangersRangers000072234975
3Hearts101046341263
4Kilmarnock10104334952
5St Mirren00003843-543
6Dundee00004454-1041
Relegation Group
1Hibernian11004752-542
2Aberdeen11003649-1338
3Motherwell10014652-637
4St Johnstone10012549-2431
5Ross County10013258-2630
6Livingston11002459-3521
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


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