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

The hosts come into this one following a bruising defeat at Dundee United, while Hibernian travel to Ayrshire seeking some redemption of their own off the back of a defeat to Ross County.

Match preview

Kilmarnock currently sit at the foot of the league table, taking just 12 points from 15 matches played under Derek McInnes.

Killie are on a run of three straight defeats, coming as a disappointment due to the Ayrshire side previously producing some positive results in October.

Adapting to the Scottish Premiership has been a problem for Kilmarnock, which is demonstrated in the fact that they have netted the fewest goals in the entire division this campaign with just 11 efforts in their 15 fixtures.

On Wednesday night, they were on the end of a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of fellow strugglers Dundee United owing to strikes from Kieran Freeman, Jamie McGrath, Glenn Middleton and Dylan Levitt.

Returning to home soil on Saturday, McInnes will be desperate for his side to put on an improved display in order to avoid being cut adrift at the bottom of the division.

Hibernian have endured an indifferent start to the campaign, seeing them occupy seventh in the Scottish Premiership with 15 matches played on 20 points.

They have lost their last two encounters and Lee Johnson will be looking to get their season back on track with a triumph on Saturday.

Last time out, the Hibees were beaten 2-0 by Ross County at Easter Road, with goals from George Harmon and Alex Iacovitti compounding an unconvincing performance by the home side.

Hibernian have struggled away from home this year, with two wins and five losses from their seven matches away from home soil contributing heavily to their inconsistent nature.

Johnson will be eyeing a remedy to this recent downturn in fortunes with three important points this weekend at Rugby Park.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

D

D

W

L

L

L

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

D

W

W

L

L

L

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

W

L

L

Team News

Kilmarnock striker Kyle Lafferty is still serving his suspension and will be out of contention for the visit of Hibernian on Saturday, whilst fellow striker Scott Robinson is ruled out through injury.

Calum Waters and Ben Chrisene will also miss the clash, while Ash Taylor runs the risk of suspension should he pick up a booking.

Hibernian have a host of senior stars missing for the trip to Ayrshire this weekend. Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet are sidelined due to respective concerns, though the former should pull through in time to feature for Australia at the World Cup.

Aiden McGeady, Momodou Bojang, Jake Doyle-Hayes, Lewis Miller and Kyle Magennis will also not partake due to injury.

Ryan Porteous and Marijan Cabraja are at risk of suspension if they are yellow carded during the tie.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Hemming; Mayo, Taylor, Wright, McInroy; Alebiosu, Power, Donnelly, Jones; Armstrong, Doidge

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Porteous, Bushiri, Hanlon; Cadden, Henderson, Kenneh, Newell, Cabraja; Kukharevych, Youan

We say: Kilmarnock 1-1 Hibernian

In a match with significant permutations in the league standings, we expect both teams to give a good account of themselves as they search for some momentum.

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