PREVIEW | Ross County v Kilmarnock

With the cinch Premiership campaign now well underway the Staggies return home to take on Kilmarnock.

Ross County v Kilmarnock
Date: 20/08/2022
Kick-Off: 15:00
Location: Global Energy Stadium, Dingwall
Competition: cinch Premiership

Form

County have had a rough start to the campaign with three defeats in as many games to open up the season. Staggies chief Malky Mackay had plenty of optimism from their first two performances against Hearts and Celtic, but called for better quality as his side fell away to St Mirren last weekend. Richard Tait’s goal was the difference at the SMiSA Stadium and leaves County the only side without a point.

Kilmarnock sit one place above County with a point to their name after three games. Their last two matches were one to forget having battled it out with both of the Old Firm. Last weekend they fell at home to Celtic in a 5-0 drubbing whilst a week’s previous they accounted themselves well in a 2-0 loss at Rangers. The opening day of the campaign saw Ash Taylor the hero after a 91^st minute equaliser at home to Dundee United marked a dramatic return to the top flight.

Key Players

Last weekend’s disappointment wasn’t without a bright spark or two for County who saw some flashes of quality from those off the bench who looked to try and effect the game. Kazeem Olaigbe’s fearless running showcased the ability he has on the ball and he came close to providing a leveller after his pinpoint cross was met with a header that struck the post. The Southampton loanee is looking for his first start for the Staggies and will be battling for it this week.

Killie forward Kyle Lafferty is yet to get on the scoresheet this season but will be looking at getting himself off the mark following eight goals in 14 matches in the Scottish Championship last season. The 34-year old remains a Northern Ireland international and his vast experience could be crucial at Rugby Park.

Head-to-Head

This will be our first meeting with Killie since April 2021 where we played out a 2-2 draw in East Ayrshire. Kilmarnock took the lead after three minutes via Chris Burke before Michael Gardyne equalised just two minutes later. A third goal would follow on 16 minutes from Killie’s Mitch Pinnock to wrap up a frantic opening exchange only for Alex Iacovitti’s second half effort to restore parity.

Our last match in Dingwall was just as dramatic with five goals and a red card. Kilmarnock striker Lafferty gave the visitors the lead before Billy McKay levelled in the first half. Leo Hjelde gave County the lead two minutes into the second half before McKay had his second and County’s third within four minutes of the break. Lafferty’s penalty on 77 minutes proved fruitless in a 3-2 Staggies win - made worse for the visitors as Ross Millen was sent packing in stoppage time when picking up a second yellow card.

Keep Up

For supporters unable to attend you can keep up with live updates via the club’s social media feeds.