Kilmarnock v Livingston: Match Preview, Odds, Lineups, Prediction

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Kilmarnock vs Livingston on matchday 1 of the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Kilmarnock vs Livingston

• Date: Saturday, 02 August 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park

Kilmarnock's pre-season form has been respectable, as they have won three of their last four games, all in the group stage of the League Cup. 

Their ability to secure wins against Livingston in their recent encounters suggests a psychological edge, which could play a significant role in this match. Kilmarnock's play style has been characterised by solid defence and efficient counter-attacks, which might be key in breaking down Livingston's defence.

Like their opponents, Livingston have thrived in the League Cup, winning three of their last four games. However, their inability to score against Kilmarnock in recent head-to-head matches could be a concern, especially if Kilmarnock's defence remains as robust as it has been. Livingston will need to find a way to penetrate Kilmarnock's backline, possibly through quick transitions and set pieces.

Match Prediction: Kilmarnock 2-0 Livingston

Killie’s ability to keep clean sheets and score crucial goals has been a hallmark of their play in their recent strong run, which bodes well for this encounter. This strong run of form could provide the confidence needed to secure another win and get them off to a winning start to the 2025/26 SPL campaign. 

Recent Premiership Results:

• 1-0 (L) away to Ross County (01 Mar 2025)

• 1-1 (D) home draw against Hibernian (15 Mar 2025)

• 1-5 (L) away at St. Mirren (29 Mar 2025)

• 2-0 (W) home win against Motherwell (05 Apr 2025)

• 1-5 (L) away at Celtic (12 Apr 2025)

Livingston’s recent stellar form in the League Cup has built on their successful campaign last season, which saw them promoted from the Championship. 

Their inability to score goals against Saturday’s opponent could prove to be an issue against a confident Kilmarnock side, though. Livingston will need to find a way to break their losing streak against Kilmarnock if they hope to secure a positive result.

Recent Premiership Results:

• 1-1 (D) home against Hibernian (19 May 2025)

• 1-5 (L) away at Aberdeen (15 May 2025)

• 2-1 (W) home win against St. Johnstone (11 May 2025)

• 1-4 (L) away at Motherwell (04 May 2025)

• 2-0 (H) home win over Ross County (27 Apr 2025)

Kilmarnock have had the upper hand in recent encounters with Livingston, securing victories in four out of the last five meetings. This historical advantage could play a psychological role in the upcoming game, giving Killie a slight edge.

Recent Premiership Results

• Kilmarnock 1-0 Livingston (16 Jul 2025)

• Kilmarnock 1-0 Livingston (07 Feb 2024)

• Livingston 0-0 Kilmarnock (16 Dec 2023)

• Kilmarnock 3-1 Livingston (21 Oct 2023)

• Kilmarnock 2-0 Livingston (13 May 2023)

• Matt Kennedy (Hip injury) - Doubtful

• Cammy Kerr (Unknown injury) - Out

• 3-5-2: McCrorie; Mayo, Stanger, Deas; Brandon, Lyons, Magennis, Watson, Brannan; Dackers, Daniels

Kilmarnock will focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while utilising quick counter-attacks to exploit Livingston's perceived vulnerabilities. Their recent form is encouraging.

• 4-3-3: Prior; Montgomery, Wilson, McGowan, Finlayson; Pittman, Tait, Sylla; Carey, Muirhead, Winter

Livingston's strategy is centred around quick transitions and set-piece opportunities to break down Kilmarnock's defence. They may need a more aggressive approach to challenge Kilmarnock's dominance in this fixture.

• Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock) vs Mohamad Sylla (Livingston): This duel in midfield could dictate the tempo of the game, with both players crucial to their teams' performances. 

• Djenairo Daniels (Kilmarnock) vs Ben Muirhead (Livingston): The battle between these two forwards will be crucial. Both players have been in decent form in front of goal in recent outings.

• Ben Brannan (Kilmarnock): The young defender has impressed in the League Cup, scoring three goals in as many appearances

• Ben Muirhead (Livingston): The forward was Livingston's top goalscorer last season. He could play a key role in this encounter. 

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.