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

Killie were unable to make it back-to-back away wins after losing to Motherwell last time out, while Livingston's poor run continued with a 2-0 loss at Ross County.

Match preview

Kilmarnock remain in real trouble of being relegated to the Scottish Championship after a 2-0 defeat at Fir Park against Motherwell, with goals from Blair Spittal and the impressive Kevin van Veen either side of half time securing all the points for the hosts.

Derek McInnes was quick to highlight the quality of Motherwell's Van Veen - the flying Dutchman's solo effort and subsequent sleeping celebration was a hard watch for those 1,800 away supporters.

Having collected 26 of their 31 league points on home soil this term, Killie will be thankful of being back at The BBSP Stadium this weekend, and with three of their last four fixtures at home, last season's Scottish Championship winners have a real chance of retaining their top-tier status.

Killie currently sit inside the relegation-playoff position, behind Dundee United on goal difference with just four matches left to play in what looks set to be a three-horse race to avoid relegation.

Danny Armstrong went close to netting his eighth of the campaign at Fir Park last weekend, although the Scot's curling effort from a free kick painfully hit the outside of the Motherwell post before trickling out of play.

Livingston disappointed in their first post-split fixture with a 2-0 away loss at Ross County - an outfit who lie bottom of the Scottish Premiership standings after 34 matches played.

A pair of rather-identical Yan Dhanda assists led to goals for Alex Iacovitti and Alex Samuel - Livi Lions boss David Martindale was furious as his side left their County counterparts unmarked in the box to head home.

The 48-year-old manager questioned his men's desire after the defeat - understandable considering Livingston's first-tier status is safe and they only have seventh place to fight against Motherwell and St Johnstone.

Having lost four of their five Premiership matches since the start of April, it appears Livingston's season has started to fizzle out - something that could give Saturday's hosts Kilmarnock a hand in securing an all-important maximum.

Joel Nouble has been the Livi Lions' leading goalscorer this season with seven strikes so far - the 27-year-old has made the step-up to this level after being sent out on loan to Arbroath for the first half of the 2021-22 campaign.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

D

W

L

L

W

L

Livingston Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

L

W

L

L

Team News

Kilmarnock will be without the services of Ben Chrisene for Saturday's visit of Livingston, with the young full-back sustaining a knee injury all the way back in January.

Innes Cameron has not featured for Killie this calendar year due to a hamstring issue, and it is likely the striker will not be back in action until next season.

David Watson signed a fresh two-year deal with the club ahead of this weekend's crunch clash, with the 18-year-old set to partner club legend Rory McKenzie in the midfield once again.

Livingston boss Martindale has hinted he may drop players to prove a point after their loss at Ross County, with the likes of Jack Fitzwater and Christian Montano possible victims of the impending rotation.

The visitors will definitely be without Kurtis Guthrie on Saturday - the 30-year-old only lasted 10 minutes off the bench at Dingwall before being sent off for elbowing a Ross County player.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Walker; Wright, Taylor, Chambers; Armstrong, Watson, Donnelly, Power, McKenzie; Doidge, Robinson

Livingston possible starting lineup:

George; Devlin, Perez, Boyes, Penrice; Kelly, Holt, Bahamboula, Kelly, Nouble; Anderson

We say: Kilmarnock 1-0 Livingston

Kilmarnock are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Premiership and will welcome three home matches in their last four as they attempt to stay in the division.

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