Match Preview | Kilmarnock (A)

Written by Peter Mackay

Ross County make the lengthy trip south on Saturday to take on Kilmarnock in Ayrshire in the first of five crucial post-split fixtures.

Kick-off at Rugby Park is at 3:00 PM.

Ticketing:

• Match: https://kilmarnockfc.ticketco....
• RCFC Official Supporters Club Bus: https://mpv.tickets.com/?agenc...

Ross County

It has been a tough recent spell for Don Cowie’s side, who unfortunately arrive at this match off the back of four straight defeats, scoring just two goals in the process.

That won't dampen the hopes of Ross County supporters, however, and most definitely not the squad's confidence either.

County narrowly missed out on a point in Paisley as a late goal from the Buddies saw a 3-2 win and all of the points remaining south.

County’s last win came against hosts Kilmarnock, and that should breed confidence.

Player to Watch

Now in his fifth season as a Staggie, Jordan White has become an important figure in the County dressing room year upon year.

The 33-year-old striker is now an elder statesman of sorts, amongst a young County side.

With eleven goals this season, the big man has equalled his best goal tally in a season with five matches to go.

A goal last week puts him in good form, and with his depth of experience wearing the County blue in these stressful end-of-season situations, I’m sure Jordan White will be key to any positive end that County may have come mid-May.

Kilmarnock

Killie’s form has been all over the place recently, which sort of sums up their season as a whole.

The supporters will be incredibly disappointed with how the campaign has rolled out so far, as the Ayrshire side sit in ninth place, only above ourselves due to goal difference.

Kilmarnock have suffered two 5-1 losses in their last three matches, being handed the heavy defeats by Celtic and St Mirren.

Derek McInnes’ side holds an identical record to ours, with nine wins, eight draws, and sixteen losses.

Player to Watch

Fraser Murray has been an somewhat unexpected success for Killie this season, with the former Hibs winger finally nailing down his spot on the left flank.

The tricky player is creating an average of 2.27 chances per 90 minutes, so keeping the 25-year-old quiet will be key to any Ross County success.

Murray has four goals and three assists to his name so far this season.

Familiar Faces

Club legends Scott Boyd, Michael Gardyne, and Jackson Irvine all had stints in Ayrshire as well as Dingwall.

Current Staggie Eamonn Brophy earned a Scotland call-up whilst he played in the blue and white stripes.

Rocco Quinn and Paul Di Giacomo also played for both sides.

Previous Encounters

The Staggies have won all three matches against Kilmarnock this season.

A 2-1 win in October saw Jordan White score, as Liam Donnelly was shown red.

Two further 1-0 wins have come County’s way, with goals from George Harmon and Kieran Phillips.

Ross County have played Kilmarnock a total of 40 times, winning on 18 occasions while netting 55 goals in the process.

Team News

Ryan Leak and Noah Chilvers are long-term absentees.

Andrew Macleod will be out for a few weeks.

Refereeing Team:

Referee: Nick Walsh

AR1: Daniel McFarlane

AR2: David Dunne

VAR: Kevin Clancy

AVAR: Ryan Lee