Preview - Kilmarnock (a)

We are currently seven points behind Kilmarnock so losing will all but put them out of sight. We are also four behind Inverness – and with them likely to pick up full points in Dunfermline, a loss for us will all but end our entire season.

Many mid-table teams have to endure their season being over come February but after the last two years it will be a bit of a shock to us. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen!

Last kick off v Kilmarnock

We still have no need to seek injury problems but with O’Donnell fit again, Abel Thermeus signed up and Steven McGarry eligible, we do have more options than we had in recent weeks. Butcher faces a tough choice between introducing fresh blood to the side and sticking with the XI which came so close to pushing Celtic into semi final extra time.

Kilmarnock were expected by many to stall after losing Kris Boyd to Rangers but other players have stepped up a gear and they are now only a handful of points away from confirming their top six place. They have a few new signings who will be in the squad for the match, including Australian Lindsay Wilson, who like Scott McDonald is hoping for a call up to the World Cup. Eric Skora also returns and having been a dangerous player whilst on loan at Rugby Park, we should be aware of what to expect there.

In recent seasons Killie have out-fought and out-muscled us and whilst they still maintain a substantial physical advantage, only their harshest critic would claim they do not now mix this with some good football. It has been a long time since we beat them although we did come very close at Fir Park earlier in the season. It is not quite do or die time for us but even if we draw, an Inverness win leaves us in a bad position. After so much bad fortune and ‘what if’s’ already this year, it is finally time to deliver.

It may not be pretty but we’ll emerge with a vital 2-1 win.