Considering they ended the game a man down, Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke would have been satisfied with a point at fellow title contenders Aberdeen last Saturday and his team will look to get back on the winning trail when they host Hearts at Rugby Park this Friday.
Kilmarnock Form
Prior to last Saturday’s goalless draw at Pittodrie, Killie had won their four previous matches in all competitions and have only lost once since the beginning of November. Victory in this would take them back into second place in the Premiership, for 24 hours at least. They did appeal Kris Boyd’s red card at Aberdeen but manager Clarke has arranged cover for any future suspensions or injuries by signing striker Conor McAleny on loan from Fleetwood. Much of Killie’s success this season has been put down to their artificial pitch but that ignores the tremendous defensive resilience they have shown over the last few months and they have beaten every team in the top flight already this season, with the exception of struggling Hibernian.
Hearts Form
Hearts began the campaign like a house on fire but long-term injuries to striker Uche Ikpeazu and the experienced Steven Naismith quickly put a damper on proceedings. They should still finish in the top half but any thoughts of a title challenge have evaporated, though they have won four of their last five (keeping clean sheets in those victories), though have won just one of their last six on the road. Captain Christophe Berra has signed a contract extension this week and the former Scotland defender is a key man for the Jam Tarts, though Craig Levein needs more from his forwards if they are to finish the season strongly.
Kilmarnock v Hearts Head-to-Heads
The last six league meetings between these sides have produced only eight goals and defences may well be on top again. Kilmarnock won 1-0 at Tynecastle in November but had already lost by the same scoreline to Hearts at Rugby Park in August. Overall, results have been pretty even between the two teams down the years.
Kilmarnock v Hearts Best Current Odds
Kilmarnock 7/5, Draw 11/5, Hearts 21/10 (Odds correct at 11.00am January 30)
Kilmarnock v Hearts Match Predictions
Kilmarnock may have to battle but can take all three points against their Edinburgh rivals with home advantage (7/5 with Betbright). This may not be a game filled with goals, however, with Killie to win 1-0 at 13/2 with BetVictor making some appeal. Under 2.5 on the Total Goals Over/Under is 4/6 with Betbright.
