Kilmarnock vs Livingston
Scottish Premiership
Wednesday
7th February 2024
The BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Scottish Premiership fixture between Kilmarnock and Livingston.
Kilmarnock vs Livingston: Preview
Kilmarnock form analysis
An encouraging 1-0 triumph away at St Mirren thanks to Watkins’ early strike marked strong start for Kilmarnock, before a dramatic late draw at home to Dundee followed – twice rallying through Wright and McKenzie strikes either side of McCowan’s opener for both sides to dramatically claim a point late on. Thompson’s side failed to build on a bright opening however, comfortably beaten 3-1 at Rangers next fixture – Armstrong’s converted spot kick only a brief consolation after McCausland and new boy Sima strikes before Cantwell confirmed the result.
Defensive issues persisted during erratic 2-2 home draw with Hibernian after that, twice surrendering advantage either side of Kennedy strike despite a gifted opener, before late Maolida strike denied them the win. Sloppy defending then surfaced again last game at Motherwell, gifting the hosts lead through Mayo which proved decisive despite Bair swiftly equalizing – late chances spurned summed up ongoing issues balancing promising attack with focus required plugging consistent leaks at the back.
Livingston form analysis
After strong recent form raised hopes around Livingston, three consecutive losses marked a major reality check. Hosted by spirited Motherwell, they failed to recover from Spittal and Bair strikes sandwiching Pittman consolation as further Bair goal condemned them to 3-1 defeat. Struggles intensified as they were comfortably beaten 2-1 away at in-form Hearts next game – briefly threatened when Shinnie scored a late penalty, but outgunned overall after goals by Vargas and game sealing second from Shankland.
Then thrashed 4-1 by managerless Dundee at home in comprehensive defeat – McCowan lone counter in consolation on miserable afternoon. A rousing fightback in 2-2 draw away at Ross County brought some consolation, Murray brace overturning early deficit before Mackay’s late equalizer denied them a dramatic comeback win. But humbling returned in 3-0 thrashing by Rangers on home patch last game. Though matching favourites early on, three first half goals without reply killed the contest as Silva, Matondo and Cantwell clinically secured the points. Talents like Shinnie offer moments of inspiration. Familiar lack of resilience haunted them over pivotal period stalling early season promise.
