Preview:Kilmarnock vs East Fife - prediction, team news, lineups

With everything to play for in Group H of the Scottish League Cup, Kilmarnock are set to host East Fife at the BSSP Stadium Rugby Park on Saturday.

Killie will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat last time out, while the Fifers are looking for a third straight victory this weekend.

Match preview

Stuart Kettlewell's Kilmarnock have performed well so far in the cup, winning two and drawing one of their three games to date, but their chances of progressing are at stake in this clash.

Killie were shockingly held to a 0-0 draw before being beaten 4-3 on penalties by Scottish League One club Kelty Hearts on Tuesday, and the manager will be disappointed that his team failed to find the back of the net against lower-tier opposition.

Despite the frustration, Kettlewell's side remain at the top of the group, though their lead was reduced to just one point and only two separate first from fourth.

Aiming to secure their place in the round of 16, the hosts will take confidence from the fact that they have won four of their last five competitive home matches, scoring eight goals and keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Only victory can guarantee Kilmarnock a place in the knockout stage, while defeat could see them fall down to third and end their cup run at the first hurdle.

Meanwhile, Dick Campbell's East Fife may have started their League Cup campaign with a loss, but after consecutive wins going into this weekend's game, they are serious contenders for the round of 16.

Earlier this week, the Fifers followed up their 1-0 victory over Kelty Hearts by beating Brora Rangers 3-0, and the boss will be pleased that his team were able to keep back-to-back clean sheets.

That triumph has Campbell's men second in Group H with six points, one behind their opponents but level with third-placed Livingston and just one ahead of the Maroon Machine.

East Fife will certainly be the underdogs in this clash given that they were promoted from League Two via the playoffs in 2024-25, but they will take heart from seeing Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock held by a third-tier rival last time out.

Additionally, knowing that another three points would likely send them through, fans of the visitors will be quietly hopeful considering that their team are unbeaten in their three most recent away games, winning two and drawing one.

Kilmarnock Scottish League Cup form:

East Fife Scottish League Cup form:

Team News

Looking to hold onto the top spot in the group, Kilmarnock will be relying on their back three of Lewis Mayo, George Stanger and Corrie Ndaba to remain solid this weekend.

At the opposite end of the pitch, the strike partnership of Bruce Anderson and Marley Watkins should be supported by Rory McKenzie from an attacking midfield position, and the trio will be aware that only victory can guarantee progression.

As for East Fife, Alan Trouten and Nathan Austin were on the scoresheet against Kelty Hearts, and they should be ready to start up top once again on Saturday.

In the centre of the park, midfielders Connor McManus, Michael McKenna and Lewis Latona all provided assists for their attacking teammates last time out, and they could be joined in the middle third by the versatile Patrick Slattery.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; Mayo, Stanger, Ndaba; Brandon, Lowery, Tiffoney, Kiltie; McKenzie; Anderson, Watkins

East Fife possible starting lineup:

Rollo; Millar, Easton, Munro, Peggie; McManus, Slattery, Latona; McKenna; Trouten, Austin

We say: Kilmarnock 1-0 East Fife

Kilmarnock will be the favourites in this clash due to their top-flight status, as well as the fact that they have won four of their last five competitive matches on their own turf.

However, East Fife have proven their defensive resilience in the cup, and they could frustrate their opponents by limiting their chances on Saturday.

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