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

With only goal difference between them in the table there is plenty to play for in this game between two teams who have made similar starts to the campaign.

Match preview

Dundee have had a mixed start to the new Scottish Premiership campaign following the opening five fixtures with one victory, two draws, and two defeats so far.

However, the Dark Blues head into the match on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Celtic in their most recent outing, which is a game they will want to put behind them.

That followed up a 2-2 draw against St Johnstone, and after two matches without a victory, there will be pressure on Dundee to get back to winning ways here.

Tony Docherty's men have had more success at home this season as the Dark Blues are undefeated so far, which should inject some belief into the team this weekend.

On the other hand, Dundee will be wary of the fact that a defeat this weekend could potentially lead to them dropping into the relegation zone depending on other results.

That is a problem that Kilmarnock also face heading into this match which should they end up walking away with no points, which should lead to a tense game between the two.

Derek McInnes's men showcased their ability to never give up during their most recent outing last weekend when they came from behind to draw against Hibernian.

Kilmarnock found themselves two goals behind until Kyle Vassell and Joe Wright found the back of the net to ensure that they took a point from the match.

However, Killie are still without a win on the road this season in the SPL which is something that the team needs to address for the rest of the season.

Kilmarnock have struggled for goals so far though, scoring just four times, and with half of those coming in the most recent game it is a situation that they will need to fix.

Dundee Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

W

D

L

Dundee form (all competitions):

W

D

L

W

D

L

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

D

L

L

D

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

W

D

W

L

L

D

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Team News

Dundee are without Aaron Donnelly and Juan Antonio Portales at the moment due to injuries, and while they are expected back before the end of the month this fixture could come too soon.

The pressure will likely be on Zach Robinson to find the back of the net as Dundee's current top goalscorer heading into this match.

For the visitors, Vassell is going to be leading the line following his recent goal, and he will likely be a lone striker for this one.

Elsewhere, the 4-1-4-1 formation could be used again, particularly after a strong performance last weekend which saw them take a point from their game against Hibernian.

Dundee possible starting lineup:

Carson; McGhee, Shaughnessy, Lamie, Beck; Boateng; Robinson, Robertson, McCowan, Tiffoney; Bakayoko

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Findlay, Deas; Armstrong, Watson, Magennis, Lyons, Davies; Kennedy, Vassell

We say: Dundee 2-1 Kilmarnock

There is very little to split these two teams so far which is reflected in the league table, and because of that, a close game should be expected between them.

However, the lack of goals and the poor away form of Kilmarnock this season is likely going to give Dundee the advantage.

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