Killie started their campaign with a draw, a loss and a win against Dundee, Aberdeen and Ross County respectively and we’ll have to show an improvement to avoid a third consecutive defeat. Although we took six points from the three meetings against them last season it’s a much changed side that will face us this time.
They had a huge squad shuffle over the close season with nine incomers replacing the same number who left. Their latest acquisition, Michael Ngoo, impressed on his debut in Dingwall and his manager has high hopes that he’ll become a “big player”. He was in the headlines earlier in the week following a visit to the police cells in Ayr on Sunday evening but we can expect him on the pitch eager to impress on his first appearance before home fans.
Craig Slater was also on the receiving end of praise from his manager. The 20 year old scored against us with the last kick in their Fir Park win in March and seems to be developing into a valuable midfielder.
This will be our first exposure to the new artificial surface at Rugby Park. The ground had a reputation for many years as possessing one of the finest grass pitches in the country but there’s a sound economical trend for the move to plastic. Time will tell Kilmarnock will get the advantage their manager expects but there’s no doubt that visiting teams will be wary of fielding any player who might aggravate a healing injury.
That scenario may well affect Motherwell’s selection. A handful of first team players played in this week’s ‘reserve’ match against Aberdeen as they continued their build up to full readiness but a number are sure not to be risked.
The likely starting line up is hard to predict but with few harsh words ringing around the dressing room following last week’s unhappiness against Inverness there’s sure to be a more determined effort to stamp some authority on the game.
It’s hard to believe we won’t improve so an away point might just satisfy – 1-1.
Remember our last game at Rugby Park?