Kilmarnock vs Hearts: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Kilmarnock vs Hearts in the Premiership. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 17:45 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: Kilmarnock vs Hearts
Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
Kick-off: 17:45 BST
Venue: Rugby Park
Our predictions for Kilmarnock vs Hearts
Match Prediction: Kilmarnock 1-1 Hearts
Kilmarnock's recent form shows they're tough to beat at home, with two wins and a draw in their last three home games. They'll look to exploit their solid defence and quick counter-attacks against Hearts.
Hearts have been on a roll, winning four out of their last five matches. They'll aim to control the midfield and press high up the pitch, but Kilmarnock's home advantage could make this a tight contest.
Kilmarnock will need to be clinical in front of goal, especially after their recent draw against Dundee. Hearts' attacking prowess could test Kilmarnock's defence, but if Kilmarnock can keep it tight at the back and hit Hearts on the break, they stand a good chance. Expect a close game with both teams having their moments.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock have been in decent form, winning two of their last five games and drawing two. Their home record is particularly strong, with two wins and a draw in their last three home matches.
This should give them confidence going into the game against Hearts. However, their recent draw against Dundee at home shows they need to be more ruthless in front of goal.
Recent Premiership Results:
Win: 2-0 vs St. Mirren (H)
Win: 2-0 vs Dundee United (A)
Loss: 1-2 vs Celtic (H)
Draw: 2-2 vs Motherwell (A)
Draw: 0-0 vs Dundee (H)
Hearts
Hearts are in fantastic form, winning four out of their last five games. Their only blemish was a draw against Motherwell at home, but they've shown they can beat top teams like Rangers away.
This run of form will make them confident going into the match against Kilmarnock. They'll need to be wary of Kilmarnock's solid home record, but their attacking threat could be the difference.
Recent Premiership Results:
- Win: 1-0 vs Hibernian (H)
- Win: 3-0 vs Falkirk (H)
- Win: 2-0 vs Rangers (A)
- Win: 2-1 vs Livingston (A)
- Draw: 3-3 vs Motherwell (H)
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between Kilmarnock and Hearts has been closely contested recently. Hearts won the last meeting 1-0, but Kilmarnock have had their moments, winning two out of the last five encounters.
The most recent games have been tight, with four of the last five matches decided by just one goal. This suggests another close battle is on the cards.
Recent Premiership Results
Kilmarnock 0-1 Hearts (18 May 2025)
Hearts 3-2 Kilmarnock (25 Jan 2025)
Kilmarnock 1-0 Hearts (15 Dec 2024)
Hearts 1-2 Kilmarnock (30 Oct 2024)
Kilmarnock 0-0 Hearts (27 Apr 2024)
Team News & Injury Report
Kilmarnock
- Matty Kennedy (Hip) - Out
- Tom Lowery (Unknown) - Out
- Marley Watkins (Heel) - Out
Hearts
Frankie Kent (Knee) - Out
Craig Gordon (Shoulder) - Doubt
Ageu (Hamstring) - Doubt
Christian Borchgrevink (Thigh) - Doubt
Ryan Fulton (Groin) - Doubt
Calem Nieuwenhof (Hamstring) - Doubt
Finlay Pollock (Hamstring) - Doubt
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Kilmarnock (3-5-2)
Predicted lineup: Stryjek, Stanger, Mayo, Deas, Brown, Watson, Polworth, Kiltie, Thompson, Anderson, Dackers
Kilmarnock's predicted lineup suggests they'll rely on their solid defence, with Mayo and Deas at the back, and look to hit Hearts on the counter with Anderson and Dackers up front. Their recent form indicates they'll be disciplined and hard to break down.
Hearts (4-4-2)
Predicted lineup: Schwolow, McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Kingsley, Milne, Devlin, Baningime, Kiziridis, Soares, Braga, Shankland
Hearts' predicted lineup shows they'll aim to control the game through midfield with Baningime and Devlin, while Shankland and Braga will look to exploit any gaps in Kilmarnock's defence. Their recent winning streak suggests they'll be confident in their attacking play.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Anderson vs Halkett: This will be a key battle between the Kilmarnock forward and Hearts' solid defender.
Thompson vs Milne: Kilmarnock's wing-back will need to outsmart Hearts' experienced star to control the game's tempo.
Watson (Kilmarnock): The in-form midfielder could be crucial for Kilmarnock's chances of breaking down Hearts' defence.
Devlin (Hearts): Devlin's energy and control in midfield will be vital for Hearts to dominate the game and create scoring opportunities.
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