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Motherwell logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 3
Aug 26, 2023 at 3pm UK
Fir Park
Kilmarnock logo

Motherwell
2 - 1
Kilmarnock

Casey (59'), Paton (90+8')
O'Donnell (43'), Spencer (52'), Slattery (57'), Paton (66'), Casey (71'), McGinn (90+2')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Watkins (12')
Watkins (32'), Deas (66'), Watson (73')

Preview: Motherwell vs. Kilmarnock - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Motherwell and Kilmarnock, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two of the undefeated Scottish Premiership teams will meet on Saturday as Motherwell host Kilmarnock in their latest fixture.

The hosts enter this match off the back of a defeat in their most recent outing in the Scottish League Cup, while Kilmarnock are riding the high of knocking out Celtic.


Match preview

Motherwell's Kevin van Veen celebrates with teammates after scoring their first goal on April 22, 2023© Reuters

Motherwell kick-started the campaign with a draw against Dundee, but they followed that up by defeating Hibernian to continue their undefeated start to the campaign.

The Steelmen will be aiming to follow on from that to continue progressing up the division, with a victory having the potential to take them to the top of the league depending on other results.

However, Stuart Kettlewell will need to see an improved performance from his men compared to what they delivered last weekend when they were knocked out of the Scottish League Cup.

Motherwell conceded in the ninth minute when Caolan Boyd-Munce broke the deadlock, and they were unable to respond to that in the entire game, mustering just one shot on target.

While the result was a frustrating one, the Steelmen now have a chance to immediately respond to the defeat against a team they are level on points with in the league table.

However, the visitors will prove to be stern opposition in this fixture considering the undefeated run that they are currently enjoying, having not lost in their previous four matches.

Kilmarnock have had several tricky fixtures already this season, but they have proven that they have no problem upsetting the odds after defeating Rangers on the opening day of the campaign.

Killie showcased their resilience again last weekend in the Scottish League Cup when they knocked out Celtic with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Marley Watkins goal.

The fact that Kilmarnock have already defeated both the Old Firm rivals this season will have provided the team with an injection of confidence, particularly after keeping clean sheets against both.

Derek McInnes has set up his team to be tough to break down, which is reflected by the fact they have three clean sheets in a row, which could prove to be important this weekend.

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form:
  • D
  • W

Motherwell form (all competitions):


Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:
  • W
  • D

Kilmarnock form (all competitions):



Team News

Motherwell are set to be without Mika Biereth this weekend and for the foreseeable future due to him suffering an ankle injury in their defeat against St Mirren last weekend.

Biereth is joined on the sidelines by Calum Butcher, who will also miss this fixture as he continues to rehabilitate from a thigh issue.

Watkins is set to lead the line for the visitors as he aims to continue his impressive performances for Kilmarnock this weekend.

Considering the recent victory against Celtic, it is unlikely that many changes will be made to the starting lineup for Killie, particularly in the defensive structure.


Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Kelly; McGinn, Mugabi, Casey; O'Donnell, Slattery, Miller, Spittal, Souare; Wilkinson, Bair

Kilmarnock possible starting lineup:
Dennis; Mayo, Deas, Findlay; Armstrong, Lyons, Watson, Magennis, Ndaba; Kennedy, Watkins


SM words green background

We say: Motherwell 0-2 Kilmarnock

While Motherwell are undefeated so far in the Scottish Premiership, this weekend could prove to be a difficult test against a team in fantastic form.

Kilmarnock have defeated some of the biggest teams in the division already and have put together some strong defensive displays that could give them an edge here.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


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Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

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Game History

How you voted: Motherwell vs Kilmarnock

Motherwell
40.0%
Draw
33.3%
Kilmarnock
26.7%
15
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before the match on July 29, 2023
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2RangersRangers1611232891935
3Aberdeen17104331211034
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren187382429-524
7Dundee175482730-319
8Hibernian184682430-618
9Kilmarnock184681935-1618
10Ross County183691435-2115
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


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