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

Kilmarnock will continue their Scottish League Cup campaign when they host Dundee United on Sunday afternoon in the second round.

The hosts topped Group H to reach this stage, while the visitors are set to compete in the competition for the first time this term.

Match preview

Kilmarnock had a disappointing 2024-25 season, dropping from a fourth-placed finish in 2023-24 to battling against relegation from the top flight as they placed ninth in the standings.

They were just one point above the drop zone at the end of the pre-split campaign, but managed to climb to seven points clear at the end of the post-split season as they won three and lost two of their five games.

Killie would have been hoping for a strong beginning to this campaign as they aim for a significantly improved season, and they have had a mixed start in that regard.

Stuart Kettlewell's side did win three and draw one of their four group stage games, topping Group H, but they have since squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Livingston, followed by coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Hibernian last time out.

Now aiming to pick back up their winning momentum in the Scottish League Cup, Killie will face a Dundee United side that have had a difficult start to 2025-26.

Dundee Utd, who qualified for the Conference League qualifiers with a fourth-placed finish last season, were eliminated from the competition in the third playoff round as they devastatingly lost on penalties following a 4-4 aggregate draw with Rapid Vienna.

That disappointment has been matched with a draw and defeat in their first two league fixtures, including conceding a 94th-minute winner to Hearts in their latest domestic encounter.

Now aiming for their first win since back-to-back 1-0 victories over UNA Strassen in the second qualifying round of the Conference League, the Tangerines travel to Rugby Park on Sunday.

Jim Goodwin's side have struggled in this fixture in recent times, failing to win any of their last five visits to Rugby Park, with three defeats and two draws.

Kilmarnock Scottish League Cup form:

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

Dundee United form (all competitions):

Team News

Kilmarnock will be without Kyle Magennis for Sunday's encounter due to a hamstring injury, while Jamie Brandon is a doubt after coming off with an injury against Hibernian.

Ben Brannan could switch to the right side with Dominic Thompson coming into the starting team in Brandon's absence, while the rest of the side from their draw with Hibs could feature.

As for Dundee United, Isaac Pappoe, Kristijan Trapanovski, Ross Graham and Ryan Strain are unlikely to play due to injury problems.

Max Watters and Zac Sapsford have both impressed in forward areas for Dundee Utd since joining the club in the summer window, and both should start in this one.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Brown, Mayo, Deas; Brannan, Watson, Polworth, McKenzie, Thompson; Daniels, Dackers

Dundee United possible starting lineup:

Kucherenko; Sevelj, Iovu, Keresztes, Esselink; Camara, Sibbald, Ferry; Sapsford, Watters, Dolcek

We say: Kilmarnock 2-1 Dundee United

Killie will be boosted after coming from 2-0 down to draw level with Hibernian, and given their strong recent record at home against Dundee United, as well as the Tangerines being deflated after devastatingly losing on penalties in their last match, we expect a victory for the hosts.

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