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

The visitors are without a win in their previous three matches in all competitions, but will be looking to overtake their opponents in the Scottish Premiership with three points.

Match preview

Kilmarnock returned from the international break in a positive manner last weekend as they secured their second victory of the season by defeating Livingston.

Sean Kelly had leveled things up for the Lions with a 35th-minute penalty, but a brace from Kyle Vassell added to Daniel Armstrong's 16th-minute goal to secure a 3-1 win.

The three points helped Killie climb into fifth place in the league and another victory could allow them to crack the top four if Hearts were to slip up this weekend.

At the same time, Kilmarnock are just three points above the relegation zone at the moment, proving how tight the Scottish Premiership is which can change drastically with one result right now.

Derek McInnes will want his team to continue their strong form at home though as they have only been beaten once in five games so far, with both of their victories also taking place at Rugby Park.

The visitors are heading into this game on the back of a midweek defeat in the Europa Conference League which was a five-goal thriller against PAOK.

Barry Robson's men threw a two-goal lead away in the final 20 minutes of the game where they conceded three goals, including a 96th-minute penalty that saw them lose 3-2.

The last-minute defeat is something the Dons will look to put behind them immediately, especially since they have not played a league game since before the international break due to their game against Dundee being postponed last weekend.

Aberdeen drew their previous two Scottish Premiership matches which resulted in them slipping down to ninth in the division, sitting just two points above the relegation zone.

The Dons have picked up just one victory on the road so far this season, which is a clear area for improvement, but with a victory guaranteeing they would jump above Kilmarnock, there is plenty to play for.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

L

D

D

D

L

W

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

D

D

L

D

L

W

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

L

W

W

D

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

D

L

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Team News

After securing three points there could be no changes for Kilmarnock this time out, with McInnes potentially aiming to just continue that momentum.

Vassell should retain his place in the team after scoring a brace in that game, with Marley Watkins expected to partner him upfront.

Jack MacKenzie and Dante Polvara were both brought into the starting lineup in midweek for Aberdeen, and they could each be in contention to retain their places.

Bojan Miovski is likely set to lead the attack for the Dons after finding the back of the net again in the Europa Conference League, which was his seventh of the season in all competitions.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay; Armstrong, Lyons, Watson, Ndaba, Polworth; Watkins, Vassell

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; Devlin, Gartenmann, Rubezic, Jensen, MacKenzie; Shinnie, Clarkson, McGrath; Miovski, Duk

We say: Kilmarnock 2-1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen will head into this game with less rest than their opponents, and that could prove to be their downfall in what is likely going to be a close game.

Kilmarnock have been strong at home throughout this campaign, and that is something that should help them pick up another three points.

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