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

The visitors sit seventh in the Scottish Premiership, but could slip as low as 10th if they are unable to pick up at least a point this weekend.

Match preview

Kilmarnock have been one of the strongest squads in the Scottish Premiership this season which is reflected by the fact they are currently sat in fourth place.

There is a 13-point gap between themselves and Hearts above them, therefore the focus right now for Killie is simply on ensuring they keep their spot in the table.

With St Mirren just two points behind them right now there is a real need for consistency, and that is exactly what they have been providing as of late.

Kilmarnock have gone six games in a row without a defeat, and that run has allowed the team to retain their position in the league, even though they have become draw specialists.

Only one team in the division has drawn as many of their 10 games, with Killie's latest result adding to that they shared the points with Celtic following a 1-1 draw.

The Dons also drew their most recent outing as they battled a 2-2 result against Hibernian after goals from Nicky Devlin and Jamie McGrath helped them secure a point.

It was the second game in a row where Aberdeen drew as they and Motherwell played out a six-goal thriller as Neil Warnock's men showcased real attacking quality.

While the experienced manager will want to see his team tighten the ship from a defensive perspective, the fact they have had no problem finding the back of the net since he took over is an immediate positive.

The Dons will be aware of the fact that a defeat could potentially leave the club sitting directly above the relegation zone if other results go against them, but the focus remains on pushing up the division instead.

However, Aberdeen have been beaten twice already this season by Kilmarnock with the Dons having failed to even score a single goal against them.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

D

D

W

D

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

W

D

D

W

W

D

Aberdeen Scottish Premiership form:

L

D

D

L

D

D

Aberdeen form (all competitions):

D

D

L

W

D

D

Team News

David Watson came off the bench to score a late equaliser against Celtic last weekend, and he could be an option from the first minute this time around for Kilmarnock.

That game came too soon for Kyle Magennis to return, but he is expected to be back by the end of the month following his hamstring injury which could lead to him being an option this time around.

However, Killie will continue to be without Robbie Deas who is recovering from a broken cheekbone.

Aberdeen also have several injury problems to consider as Slobodan Rubezic and James McGarry will not be available for selection on Saturday.

Bojan Miovski is sure to lead the line for Warnock, with his attacking quality having spearheaded Aberdeen's best work this season.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay; Armstrong, Watson, Donnelly, Davies; Stewart; Vassell, Watkins

Aberdeen possible starting lineup:

Roos; MacDonald, Gartenmann, McKenzie; Devlin, Barron, Shinnie, Clarkson, McGrath; Duk, Miovski

We say: Kilmarnock 2-1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen have showcased a lot of attacking quality recently, and that should lead to them causing some problems for Kilmarnock this weekend.

However, Kilmarnock should end up being too strong for the Dons in this match, which they have already proven twice this season.

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