We managed only two points from our three meetings against Killie last campaign with two scoreless draws and a 0-2 defeat. That was a poor haul for a team that finished third in the table against one that failed to make the top six.
Like Motherwell, our hosts have drawn their opening pair of league games and scored once when Pascali equalised in Inverness last week. Kilmarnock have lost more than a full team of players since May and only two replacements have arrived. Tesselaar (ex St Mirren) was added to give defensive cover while attacker Boulding joined from Livingston.
'Well fans enjoy the sun at Rugby Park
Kenny Sheils has been searching high and low to increase his team’s striking power but with no success. The latest target was old boy Nish but the attempts at agreeing a loan deal with League 1 outfit Hartlepool was rejected. Heffernan won’t be available until his broken collar bone heals. Their striking options are limited.
The Fir Park squad have had a few days to recover from last week’s Champions League game and Saturday’s match against St Johnstone. That last outing included a red card for Stevie Hammell and he’ll sit this one out. Francis-Angol will be looking for his first start at left back and his appearances from the bench against Panathinaikos and St Johnstone should serve as good preparation.
There has been no news from the club about Humphrey’s tweaked hamstring and if he remain unfit them the starting eleven almost picks itself.
If ever there was an opportunity to secure three points at Kilmarnock, this is it. Our opponents have a depleted squad and are short of firepower. We have had the benefit of a few more competitive games and might edge the race to match sharpness. What better way prepare for next week's Europa League game that by celebrating a 2-0 win.
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