Our guests have not had the best of starts to the new season. Draws against St Johnstone and St Mirren were sandwiched between losses to Aberdeen and Hibs earning only two points from a possible twelve. Further depression descended on Rugby Park on Tuesday when Hamilton knocked them out of the League Cup.
Killie manager Allan Johnstone heard his team booed off the park at both half and full time and followed up with the usual platitudes: "We've got to improve, we've got to start picking up results...". They'll arrive in Motherwell desperate for a point but surely without any degree of confidence.
A minute for Phil when Killie last visited Fir Park
In contrast, the Fir Park home dressing room will be boosted by last week's narrow win over 'high flying' Partick Thistle. The victory lacked the style and flair that we were treated to last season but Sutton's goal came at the end of a six man move that now rejoices in the title SPFL Goal of the Week. Let's hope that we see many more!
Concerns about our loss of pace over the summer have been addressed in part by the acquisition of Lionel Ainsworth on loan from Rotherham. The right sided winger will be in the squad on Saturday.
At the other end of the pitch or defending was far more effective than that in the opening games. There was an obvious determination to block shots and clear high balls that earned its reward. Hollis was well protected and all can take pride in the clean sheet.
The international break that follows this fixture will afford an opportunity for reflection early in the campaign and that will be a happier process if we are well embedded in the top half of the table on Saturday evening. Another clean sheet and a 2-0 win will do nicely.
Remember the last time Killie were at Fir Park?