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

Just a single point would secure the visitors a place in the Scottish Premiership next season, but the hosts will be aiming to stop that from taking place.

Match preview

Kilmarnock have managed to do just enough to secure their future in the top flight for next season, but the team will be hoping to wrap things up with a win in front of their fans.

A brace from Kyle Vassell and a goal by Innes Cameron secured an impressive 3-0 win for them in their final away game of the season, and now the team has the chance to repeat that feat at home.

The goals were an important part of that game, but so was the clean sheet which marked the second time in three games that the team have not conceded any goals.

The improved defensive performances will have been welcomed by Derek McInnes after conceding 61 goals throughout the campaign to this point.

With next season secured now Kilmarnock should be able to play with some freedom in this match, which could be the advantage that the team needs.

The same cannot be said for the visitors who have just 90 minutes to secure their safety this season, with just a single point needed to achieve that.

While a win or a draw for Ross County would keep them up, a defeat would open the door for Dundee United to overtake them on the final day of the season, although there also needs to be an eight-goal swing as it would come down to goal difference.

Right now the goal difference stands in Ross County's favour, but they will need to be more switched on than they were during their midweek match against St Johnstone.

Ross County thought they had secured a last-ditch winner when Jack Baldwin scored in the 90th minute, but the team were unable to concentrate until the end as they conceded five minutes later which resulted in a 3-3 draw.

While a repeat of that result would secure their safety, Malky Mackay will likely be hoping for a more controlled 90 minutes to achieve that feat.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

L

W

L

W

Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

L

L

W

W

L

D

Team News

Kilmarnock could be without star striker Vassell this weekend despite the fact he scored a brace last time out as he was forced off during the 3-0 win due to a late challenge.

However Cameron found the back of the net after replacing him in that game, providing the hosts with another great attacking option.

Baldwin is expected to be at the heart of the Ross County defence, with the visitors likely to operate with a back three once again this weekend.

Elsewhere, Jordan White and Simon Murray are expected to lead the line for Mackay's side as they look to fire their team to survival.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Walker; Mayo, Wright, Dorsett; Armstrong, Lyons, Chambers, Power, McKenzie; Cameron, Doidge

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Watson, Baldwin, Smith; Randall, Kenneh, Tillson, Harmon; Dhanda; White, Murray

We say: Kilmarnock 1-2 Ross County

While Kilmarnock might have the home advantage in this match, it is the visitors that have got something to play for here and that in itself should give Ross County the edge in this match.

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