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

Both teams currently sit in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership following the opening three matches, which is something either could change with three points.

Match preview

Kilmarnock have had a strong beginning in the new campaign having picked up victories over Rangers and Celtic in different competitions, but their undefeated start was brought to an end last weekend.

Despite Marley Watkins giving his team the lead in the 12th minute it was Motherwell who came out on top with a 2-1 win which will have left Derek McInnes frustrated.

Kilmarnock almost managed to hang on to secure a point until Harry Paton scored in the 98th minute, with concentration until the very end set to be a crucial focus moving forward.

Killie have been defensively sound outside of that game though as that was the first time they have conceded in the SPL this season, which is a run they shall be aiming to continue.

A victory this weekend could push Kilmarnock into the top half of the table, giving them plenty of incentive to kick on and get back to winning ways.

The visitors will be as equally desperate for the three points on Saturday, not only because it could take them into the top half as well but they will be aware that a defeat could sink them to the bottom of the division.

While it is still early days in this campaign that will be something that the Staggies will be keen to avoid, purely from a confidence standpoint at this stage in the season.

Even though Ross County have lost twice already in the SPL this season, both of those defeats took place against the likely title contenders in Celtic and Rangers, therefore fans will take some comfort in that.

That is only enhanced by the fact that Malky Mackay's men did win their other league match against St Johnstone while they also progressed in the Scottish League Cup.

However, Ross County have struggled defensively throughout all competitions this season, and that is a cause for concern moving forward for the team.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

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W

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D

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Ross County Scottish Premiership form:

Ross County form (all competitions):

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Team News

Kilmarnock were without Corrie Ndaba for the defeat against Motherwell due to an injury he suffered in the Scottish League Cup, and he will remain a doubt once again this weekend.

That could lead to Kyle Vassell retaining his place in the team to lead the line alongside Watkins, who is likely to keep his spot after scoring last weekend.

Mackay was able to bring Yan Dhanda back to the starting lineup last weekend, and it is likely that the central midfielder will keep his role in the team this time around.

Ross County were also able to give minutes to Will Nightingale in the defeat against Rangers from the bench as he edges closer to being fit enough to start again.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Deas, Findlay; Armstrong, Lyons, Watson, Magennis, Kennedy; Vassell, Watkins

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Laidlaw; Baldwin, Leak, Harmon; Dhanda, Randall, Loturi, Turner, Sims; Brophy, White

We say: Kilmarnock 2-1 Ross County

While there is not much to split these two teams in the league table it is Kilmarnock who have kickstarted the campaign stronger, and that should lead to them taking all three points this weekend.

The poor defensive record of Ross County coupled with the fact that Killie have the home advantage could prove to be crucial in this one.

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