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

The visitors have picked up consecutive victories following the international break to climb into fourth spot as they now look to place pressure on those above them.

Match preview

St Johnstone have had a season to forget so far, having failed to win any of their opening nine fixtures which has left them bottom of the division with just four points coming from the draws they have picked up.

A consistent problem for Steve Robinson's men has been finding the back of the net, with the team only managing to score three times so far this season.

That was evident once again this past weekend when they faced St Mirren, losing four goals to nil in a match that the squad will be keen to forget immediately.

The only goals that St Johnston have scored this season took place at home though, which is something that might bring a little confidence to the squad.

With only five points between them and Ross County right now there is hope for the club that they can progress up the division if they are able to pick up a couple of consistent results.

That is something that Kilmarnock have been doing as of late, with the squad returning from the latest international break with consecutive victories which has dragged them away from the relegation zone all the way to fourth place.

Killie's win against Livingston was followed up by securing another three points against Aberdeen at the weekend, showcasing the qualities that the team possesses.

Goals from Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins guaranteed the win for them, with Kilmarnock also showcasing their defensive qualities by keeping a clean sheet as well.

Despite that Derek McInnes has been unable to guide his team to a victory away from home in the league this season, which is something they will try to change in midweek.

A third consecutive win would allow Kilmarnock to continue placing the pressure on the three teams above them, creating an impressive turnaround in a short period.

St Johnstone Scottish Premiership form:

D

L

L

D

D

L

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:

D

D

D

L

W

W

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

W

W

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Team News

Diallang Jaiyesimi was given his chance to start for St Johnstone for the first time at the weekend, and he could be set to retain his place and continue adding fresh legs to the squad as they search for answers.

Drey Wright and Graham Carey both missed out on the squad completely for the 4-0 loss against St Mirren, and they could be set to be on the sidelines once again this week.

Vassell and Watkins has proven to be an important strike partnership for Kilmarnock this season, and after both men scored at the weekend it is likely they will retain their places in the team.

Killie were without Corrie Ndaba at the weekend due to injury, and he is expected to be on the sidelines once again with Matty Kennedy set to feature instead.

St Johnstone possible starting lineup:

Mitov; Gordon, Considine, Robinson; Jaiyesimi, Phillips, Sprangler, Brown; Kucheryavyi; Costelloe, Jephcott

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:

Dennis; Mayo, Wright, Findlay; Armstrong, Lyons, Watson, Kennedy, Polworth; Watkins, Vassell

We say: St Johnstone 0-2 Kilmarnock

St Johnstone might have the home advantage in this fixture, but that will not make them the favourites heading into this match.

The visitors are in good form at the moment, and Kilmarnock are likely to continue that strong run as they continue progressing up the table.

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