Preview- Kilmarnock(h)

Last weekend was fairly disastrous but at least we escaped Tannadice with a point. However results elsewhere went against Motherwell and we now find ourselves four points behind at the bottom of the league. We have two winnable games coming up before we ‘enjoy' two visits to Glasgow. It is too early in the season to have ‘must win' games but there is no doubt that unless we put points on the board soon we are in big trouble.

The Killie crowd got the high seats last time

But there are reasons for optimism. Since the ICT debacle we have improved considerably. We have changed formation, should have beaten Hearts, progressed in the cup and snatched a good away point that we might have lost earlier in the season. The change in formation has not solved all of our problems but we are definitely better at the back with a three and changing the ‘keeper has certainly not done us any harm. Having an extra man in the middle of the park is not the worst move in the world either. We're even making chances – if we can just find our form in front of goal perhaps every little slip at the back will not prove so costly.

Malpas will be able to field the same side that drew at Tannadice if he so desires although after a poor game it would be no surprise if Foran made way for Elliot. Coakley, McCormack and Clarkson all played in the reserves' win over Inverness and presumably will take up places on the bench. Kinniburgh also played but unless he is fully fit we will surely not tinker with the defence when it is looking better, makeshift though it is.

Killie could well be without Steven Naismith which would undoubtedly help us a lot. Even if he missing they still have players that can hurt us in the form of Invincible, Fernandez, Wales and Nish. Killie may be a slightly more beatable than they have been in recent years but they are still, player for player, a much better team than us. We will need to fight for absolutely everything and cut out silly mistakes at the back. When opportunities do arise we have to be able to take them.

We really need to pull something out of the bag here and we often respond when the chips are down. It won't be pretty but that won't matter – 2-1 Motherwell.

Do you remember the last time Killie were at Fir Park?

Head to head stats here.