Preview: Kilmarnock vs. St Johnstone - prediction, team news, lineups

Having failed to win any of their last four games, the hosts occupy the relegation playoff spot, while the Saints find themselves seven points clear of Killie in eighth place.

Match preview

Kilmarnock were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the quarter-final stage last time out, suffering a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Following last week's failure, Derek McIness's side have now lost eight of their previous 12 matches across all competitions, suffering six defeats in eight league outings to heighten relegation fears in East Ayrshire.

It is no real surprise that Kilmarnock sit second from bottom in the Scottish Premiership table, though, as they have only managed to win six of their 28 league encounters this season, recording six draws and 16 losses in the process.

On top of that, Kilmarnock are the Premiership's lowest scorers with 23 goals, and they also hold the second-worst defensive record in the division, having conceded three goals fewer than bottom club Dundee United, who sit three points below Killie.

Although McIness's men have lost just three of their 13 home league games this term - picking up six wins and four draws along the way - last season's Championship winners are in real danger of suffering a second relegation in three years.

When St Johnstone suffered seven straight defeats in all competitions across December and January, Callum Davidson's job appeared to be on the line, but the 46-year-old has steadied the ship in recent weeks.

Granted, the Saints suffered a 3-0 defeat to Hearts last time out, but they have managed to take seven points from a possible 15 since ending their losing streak, claiming away wins over Motherwell and Dundee United in the process.

Thanks to those victories, St Johnstone now boast the third-best away record in the Scottish Premiership, as only Celtic and Rangers have picked up more points on the road this season.

Not only have the Saints won two of their last three away league games, but they have also won four of their previous nine, scoring two goals in each of those wins to keep themselves within touching distance of the top six.

Although St Johnstone have the third-worst defensive record in the division, Davidson's men can take confidence from the fact that they have drawn a solitary blank in their past five outings.

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

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Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

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St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

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Team News

Kilmarnock are still without Ben Chrisene due to a knee injury, with the 19-year-old midfielder's last competitive action coming almost two months ago.

On a brighter note, Innes Cameron is close to making a return for Killie, having been sidelined since November with a hamstring problem.

As for St Johnstone, they look set to be without the injured quartet of Ryan McGowan (groin), Murray Davidson (ankle), Chris Kane (knee) and Charlie Gilmour (ankle) this weekend.

Having bagged six goals and six assists in 27 league outings this season, Stevie May will continue to support Aberdeen loanee Connor McLennan in attack.

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Walker; Wright, Taylor, Dorsett; Alebiosu, Polworth, Power, McKenzie, Chambers; Armstrong, Doidge

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Matthews; Wright, Mitchell, Gordon, Brown, Montgomery; MacPherson, Hallberg, Carey; May, McLennan

We say: Kilmarnock 0-1 St Johnstone

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