Match Preview - Kilmarnock (A)

The Staggies will be thankful that there is no rest this time around after a narrow 2-1 loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Over 600 Ross County supporters made the trip east along the A96, and it would be great if some of them were willing to make the long trip down to Ayrshire for Saturday’s match against Kilmarnock, which kicks off at 3:00 PM. Points for the Staggies could be huge, and they could go a long way in the quest for a tenth place finish.

Kilmarnock

Derek McInnes has revolutionised his blue and white side this season, as the Ayrshire side currently sit in fourth place, with a whopping 45 points to their name.

Despite a recent dip in form which has meant only one win in the last five, Killie have managed to be victorious on eleven occasions this season, as well as claiming twelve draws.

The one win which did come in the last five was a crazy encounter. Killie came from two goals behind to defeat St Mirren 5-2. That shows just how much firepower the blue and white side have at their disposal.

Kilmarnock are in pole position to finish in fourth place and should be comfortable enough to secure themselves a European spot.

To think just a year ago it was between us or Killie who was going to drop into the playoffs is mind-blowing. They have had an incredible shift north in the league placings.

Player to Watch

Former Ross County player Daniel Armstrong has been the standout performer for Kilmarnock over the past two seasons.

Despite often playing as a wingback, Armstrong has excelled in Ayrshire and is the key creative outlet for Killie.

His pace and dribbling make him a handful for any defence. Coupled with those attributes, his delivery into the box from wide areas makes him the perfect fit for Kilmarnock’s sizable front two of Marley Watkins and Kyle Vassell.

The 26-year-old has netted six times this season, alongside turning provider with a whopping ten assists.

Armstrong, who won the Championship with Ross County, is also a former teammate of current County gaffer Don Cowie.

Ross County

The Staggies have found an element of togetherness, as well as a battle-hard nature since Don Cowie was handed the reins on an interim basis.

The former Cardiff midfielder has won two games and drawn two games, in his tenure so far.

However, as aforementioned, it isn’t just results which have been keeping the County contingent happy. The cool head of Don has helped keep the cool off the park too. It is safe to say fans are appreciative of Don for getting the squad back on the same page and instilling a first principle of hard work.

The Staggies picked up a huge three points vs Hearts two matches ago and will be looking to match those levels of Kilmarnock’s astroturf on Saturday.

Player to Watch

Top scorer for the club this season, Simon Murray has been on incredible form throughout the campaign.

He has smashed the back of the net 17 times this season, including a perfect header last time out against Aberdeen.

Not only is Simon deadly in front of goal, he is one of the hardest-working players in the league, constantly charging after the ball and defenders. The former Queens Park striker is never afraid to put himself about and get stuck in with the uglier side of the game.

Murray has formed a strong connection with Yan Dhanda this season, and hopefully, we will see more goals forming from their strong partnership in attacking areas on Saturday.

Previous Encounters

Ross County are unbeaten against high-flying Killie this season. In fact, we haven’t conceded a goal to them.

Malky Mackay was in charge when he defeated Saturday’s hosts in Kilmarnock with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Simon Murray netted a header from a Yan Dhanda cross that day.

Derek Adams claimed a decent 0-0 draw in his first match in charge in his third spell as Ross County manager.

Now, Don Cowie takes on Killie, as the third different manager in charge this season.

We had a very mixed bag of results against Killie last season, winning both the home fixtures but losing twice away from home.

We have a positive record against the blue and white side, winning 15 matches and drawing six in the 35 times we have encountered each other.

Memorable Match

Coyle guides Staggies to victory at Killie (youtube.com)

Familiar Faces

Current Staggie Eamonn Brophy had his most fruitful spell in front of goal under Steve Clarke at Kilmarnock.

Club legends Michael Gardyne and Scott Boyd had spells with the Ayrshire side, whilst cup-winning hero Jackson Irvine had a loan spell in Kilmarnock from Celtic before signing for the Staggies.

Team News

There are no fresh injuries after Aberdeen.

Eli King has returned to training ahead of this match.

Ross Laidlaw is also back in contention after an illness.

Teddy Jenks, Ross Callachan, and Will Nightingale all remain out.

Refereeing Team

Referee: Euan Anderson

AR1: Alan Mulvanny

AR2: Craig Macrae

Fourth Official: Lloyd Wilson

VAR: Gavin Duncan

AVAR: Calum Spence

Supporter Information

Card payments only at stadium.

Away support located in Chadwick Stand and admission is via eTicket only.

Tickets are available online until kick-off.

QR codes displayed externally if you wish to purchase tickets upon arrival.

Car parking at the stadium is only available with a pre-issued QR code.

Tickets

Match tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://t.co/rz0BUjKMGP

Ross County Official Supporters Club bus tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://t.co/7fSqJ3cdJD