Preview: Kilmarnock vs. Ross County - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side arrive into this one off the back of booking their place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals with a victory against Dundee United, while the visitors travel to Ayrshire unbeaten in two.

Match preview

Kilmarnock have made an indifferent start to the 2022-23 campaign and currently sit 10th in the Premiership after 11 matches under Derek McInnes.

Nevertheless, they have enjoyed a revival in recent weeks and are now unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions.

On Tuesday night, goals from Kyle Lafferty and Danny Armstrong sealed a 2-1 win for the Ayrshire side in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals against Dundee United to book their place in the last four of the competition.

In the league, they have picked up an impressive five points from a possible nine available in their last three fixtures and have demonstrated a solidity that was undoubtedly lacking in the opening weeks of the season.

Winger Danny Armstrong in particular has been a lively presence for Killie over the last few weeks, netting three goals in his last four matches.

That run has helped calm previous apprehension over the dearth of goalscoring prowess present in the side.

On Saturday, McInnes will be hoping for another confident display in front of goal as Kilmarnock seek to move up the table with a win over Ross County.

Ross County make their way to Rugby Park as the bottom side in the Premiership under Malky Mackay, though they could leapfrog Dundee United and Kilmarnock with a win this weekend.

Malky Mackay's side are unbeaten in their last two league fixtures, with a 1-0 victory over Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena followed up by a 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United resembling an upturn in fortunes.

The Staggies' main issue in this campaign has been their ability to convert chances, resulting in them having the worst attacking record in the league with just six goals scored.

Owura Edwards is their top goalscorer in the league, netting just twice in his 11 appearances for the club, indicating a lack of a talismanic figure in the final third to convert opportunities.

Mackay will be keen for his attackers to show more composure at Rugby Park on Saturday in order to have any chance of getting a crucial three points.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

L

W

D

D

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

L

L

W

D

D

W

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

D

D

L

L

W

D

Team News

For the home side, Scott Robinson will continue to be out as he recovers from a long-term knee injury. Liam Donnelly and Fraser Murray are both also injured and will be out of contention for the visit of Ross County.

Blair Alston is a doubt for the hosts due to missing the victory over Dundee United in midweek with tightness in his groin.

For the visitors, Connor Randall will continue on the sidelines due to having a fractured leg, while Alex Samuel will not be available for the trip to Ayrshire.

George Harmon will be absent for the match against Kilmarnock and David Cancola is at risk of suspension should he pick up a booking during the tie.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Hemming; Wright, Taylor, Stokes; Jones, Power, McKenzie, Armstrong, Alebiosu; Doidge, Lafferty

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Johnson, Iacovitti, Baldwin, Purrington; Tillson, Cancola; Edwards, Callachan, Hiwula; White

We say: Kilmarnock 1-0 Ross County

In a clash with ramifications at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, we expect both sides to battle to the end to try and secure a vital win.

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