Kilmarnock V Livingston

Last updated : 27 November 2004 By Footymad Previewer
Former Scotland and Rangers defender Richard Gough has emerged as the likely successor to sacked Livingston manager Allan Preston ahead of their clash against Kilmarnock.

The ex-Ibrox captain was interviewed for the vacancy at Inverness Caledonian Thistle before Craig Brewster took up a player-manager role on Thursday.

But, after dismissing Preston and his assistant Alan Kernaghan, Livingston's prospective owner Pearse Flynn has admitted having discussions with Gough this week.

The West Lothian side have lost seven successive matches and are bottom of the Bank of Scotland Premier League table.

Gough is expected to bring ex-Manchester United and Everton number two, Archie Knox, with him to Almondvale if he is appointed.

Flynn said: "I began speaking with Richard this week, but it was a dreadful business having to break the news to Allan.

"People will be shocked if we can bring Richard and Archie to a club this size, but we have a budget for them to spend and I had to do something to halt our bad run."

Meanwhile, Livingston have doubts over two key players ahead of the game.

Midfielder Steven Boyack is still struggling with a hip injury while defender Goran Stanic is trying to shake off a hamstring problem.

The West Lothian club are three points adrift at the foot of the SPL table after seven straight defeats which cost Preston and assistant boss Alan Kernaghan their jobs on Thursday.

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies will be without skipper Gary Locke.

Locke had a cyst removed from his knee today and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks.

Jefferies will make a late decision on Peter Leven after he picked up a foot knock but remains hopeful he will be able to play.

Kris Boyd is progressing well after a knee cartilage operation and he could take part in a reserve game on Tuesday night, meaning his return to the top team is not too far away.


History of the Kilmarnock v Livingston fixture

Livingston face a trip to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday evening, needing to turn around their fortunes at the ground. The Livi will be hoping to improve upon a record which has seen them ending up on the losing side in more than half of the games played between the two.

The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in May 2004, when they eased past their opponents in a high-scoring 4 - 2 thriller, in a Scottish Premier match.

For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here

Recent encounters between the teams:
2004/2005Sat 11 SepLivingston0 - 2KilmarnockSPL
2003/2004Sat 01 MayKilmarnock4 - 2LivingstonSPL
2003/2004Wed 07 AprLivingston1 - 1KilmarnockSPL
2003/2004Sat 20 DecKilmarnock0 - 3LivingstonSPL
2003/2004Sat 20 SepLivingston1 - 2KilmarnockSPL
2002/2003Sat 01 FebLivingston0 - 4KilmarnockSPL
2002/2003Sat 16 NovKilmarnock2 - 0LivingstonSPL

Recent respective form guides

Kilmarnock have been playing quite well at home, winning 3, drawing 2, and losing just 1. A total of 12 goals have been scored by the Killie in those games, with 7 conceded.

The away form of Livingston is pretty dire, managing a paltry 2 draws from the last six matches. Livi have conceded 7 goals in these games, and only hit 1 in reply.

Kilmarnock see themselves just below half way in the Bank of Scotland Scottish Premier, showing a record of 20 points from their 15 games played so far, Livingston find themselves stuck right at the bottom of the division. Their 15 games have yielded only 9 points.

For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here

Current form guides:PWDLFAP
Kilmarnock62229108
Livingston60062160

FootyMad's prediction ...

FootyMad see this game edging towards a narrow win for the Killie, as the Livi have been none too clever on the road in recent matches. Home win

Sequence statistics:
KilmarnockUnbeaten in the last 4 home games.
Not won in the 3 most recent games.
LivingstonLost each of the previous 3 away matches.
Not won in previous 6 away matches.
An overall losing run of 7 games.
No win in the 7 most recent games.








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& used will full permission (in writing) of Livingston FC