MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 07:56:19| >> :120:45371:45371:
[monks data]
St Johnstone logo
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 11
Nov 1, 2023 at 7.45pm UK
McDiarmid Park
Kilmarnock logo

St Johnstone
2 - 1
Kilmarnock

Clark (1', 7')
Kane (75'), Mitov (88')
Costelloe (76')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Vassell (47')
Wright (58'), Watson (66')

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

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Scottish Premiership clash between St Johnstone and Kilmarnock, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams in contrasting form will meet on Wednesday when struggling St Johnstone will attempt to claim their first victory of the Scottish Premiership campaign at home against Kilmarnock.

The visitors, meanwhile, 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

Motherwell boss Steve Robinson pictured in November 2019© Reuters

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 4-0 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.

Kilmarnock players in action against Celtic on April 16, 2023© Reuters

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, 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:

Kilmarnock Scottish Premiership form:


Kilmarnock form (all competitions):



Team News

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes on September 21, 2023© Reuters

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


SM words green background

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.



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:curl


ID:527821:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect11433:
Written by
Matthew Wilkinson

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock

St Johnstone
18.5%
Draw
25.9%
Kilmarnock
55.6%
27
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
AS Monaco coach Philippe Clement reacts on January 28, 2023
Read Next:
Saturday's Scottish Premiership predictions including Rangers vs. Hibernian
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1614204444044
2RangersRangers1611232891935
3Aberdeen17104331211034
4Motherwell178272327-426
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd176742519625
6St Mirren187382429-524
7Dundee175482730-319
8Hibernian184682430-618
9Kilmarnock184681935-1618
10Hearts1844102027-716
11Ross County183691435-2115
12St Johnstone1842122134-1314


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!