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

Hearts will have the home advantage and will be attempting to get back to winning ways following a midweek European defeat, meanwhile, Kilmarnock should be well-rested from their win over Rangers.

Match preview

Hearts thrived on the opening day of the campaign by picking up three points against St. Johnstone while putting together an impressive performance at the same time.

It took Frankie McAvoy's men a while to break down the Saints in that game, but the persistence and patience was something that paid off with a goal in the 75th minute from Yutaro Oda breaking the deadlock.

That was then added to in the 96th minute as Lawrence Shankland secured three points for Hearts, with the clean sheet also highlighting the defensive structure of the team.

The Jambos are currently second in the Scottish Premiership with only goal difference between them and Celtic, and the focus for MacAvoy will certainly be on keeping the pressure on them.

Considering the fact they were over 40 points behind Celtic last season, the aim for Hearts will be to shrink that this time around, but they will need a stronger performance than their midweek one.

Hearts competed in the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, but ultimately fell short with a 2-1 defeat, despite a late goal from Shankland.

The visitors will be aiming to add to that defeat on Saturday when they make the trip to Tynecastle Stadium as Kilmarnock also hope to remain undefeated this season.

Even though they only just avoided relegation last season, Derek McInnes guided his team to a perfect start, despite the fact they had the daunting task of an away fixture against Rangers.

Kilmarnock stood firm throughout the match, keeping a clean sheet against the attacking quality of the Gers, with Brad Lyons scoring the only goal of the game.

Following up that performance will now be crucial for Kilmarnock as they look to create some momentum early on in the season, especially since picking up as many points as possible early on could prove to be vital.

Killie struggled massively away from home last season, winning just two matches throughout the entire campaign, which is something that they will need to address this season.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

Hearts form (all competitions):

D

D

L

L

W

L

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

W

W

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Team News

After two goals in as many games, Shankland is sure to be part of the attack as he aims to continue his recent momentum to keep causing problems for opposing teams.

New signing Kenneth Vargas is also set to provide competition when it comes to the attacking options within the Hearts starting lineup.

Will Dennis made an impact on his debut for Kilmarnock by keeping a clean sheet, and it is likely that he will be retaining his place between the sticks this time around.

Fraser Murray was only used as a substitute in the opening day of the season despite his impressive Scottish League Cup performances, but he could end up being an option from the first whistle this time around.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Atkinson, Kent, Rowles, Kingsley; Nieuwenhof, Haring, Grant; Oda, Shankland, Forrest

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Findlay, Deas; Murray, Lyons, Magennis, Kennedy; Armstrong, Cameron, Watkins

We say: Hearts 2-0 Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock might have provided the biggest upset of the opening weekend, but they will still head into this match as the underdogs overall.

Considering the poor away form that Kilmarnock displayed last season and the quality of the Hearts sqaud, it should be the hosts taking all three points.

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