Kilmarnock are hell bent on avoiding a record 17 game winless streak. This rotten run has seen the departure of their now ex-manager Stuart Kettlewell. Kilmarnock now find themselves rock-bottom of the Premiership, four points adrift of Livingston. Kilmarnock have actually played one game less than their title-chasing rivals. That pressure is only heightened as the team enters that final stretch of five matches on the calendar year. That fight for survival is getting more and more drastic.
Their new head coach Kris Doolan inherits a tough challenge as they look to turn their season around. Away from home, at Celtic Park, Kilmarnock had not won in their past 35 encounters with Celtic. Their last league win at Parkhead was way back in December 2015. The players are hoping that the upcoming clash against Celtic could serve as a turning point. From all appearances, they are feeling hopeful that fortune will indeed smile upon them this Tuesday night.
Current Standings and Team Dynamics
Kilmarnock’s long-term malaise continued to see them stuck at the bottom of the Premiership table. As the future of transportation funding lies outside their control, they are caught in a tough bind. Only four points divide them from Livingston, who are in free fall. Blaikie Kilmarnock do indeed have a game in hand, but they have no room for error. They must take advantage of all possible chances to leave the relegation zone.
Livingston is all by herself at the bottom and the desperation to get points on the board has never been more important. With just five fixtures left this year, each match is an opportunity for either team to change the trajectory of their season.
Doolan’s stewardship is coming under fire, as he pilots the farm through this uncertain and difficult time. His experience – not just as a player but as a leader – will be key in establishing confidence in the squad. Their last victory is 28 years ago.
Key Players and Performance Insights
22-year-old Jesper Karlsson of Kilmarnock deserves far more fanfare after registering five league goals on a consistent basis. As it stands, he is third in the league in shots taken behind only Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga. Of course, Karlsson’s play hasn’t been up to par in the last season-plus. He remains in search of his first Premiership away goal.
If Kilmarnock are to get their season back on track, they will need Karlsson to produce important performances like these on a consistent basis. It’s bad enough that their own team is struggling to score. His scoring touch will be needed in these crucial contests coming up.
Kilmarnock have enjoyed a good recent record against Dundee United. They’re currently on an impressive run, losing only three of their past ten games. We hope this record will give them a mental kilometre-fridge as they get ready for their next results.
Other Teams in Playoff Contention
The wider context of the Premiership shows teams such as Hibs and Aberdeen fighting for that third to fifth playoff place. Hibs head coach David Gray was feeling optimistic after the weekend’s win over Hearts.
“It’s something we need to use to our advantage to kick on now.” – David Gray
Hibs’s win could serve as a catalyst for their subsequent matches as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Aberdeen are still in the hunt for a top-half finish despite not winning any of their last two league matches. A draw in their next one might be enough to secure it as they continue to fight to keep pace in a close league.
Dundee have hit some good form recently, winning four of their last six home league games. Captain Simon Murray will miss their next match, having seen red in the previous fixture against Falkirk. On the field, his absence will be sorely missed.
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