KILMARNOCK and Hearts battle it out for a place in the Viaplay Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
And both teams will go into this full of frustration after a disappointing weekend.
It seems a long time ago since Killie started the season on fire with home wins against Rangers in the league and holders Celtic in this competition.
They also claimed a goalless draw at Hearts.
They've not won since and blew a great chance to change that when they conceded an injury time equaliser at Dundee on Saturday despite playing against ten men for 56 minutes at Dens Park.
But Hearts have struggled so far this season too.
They fell to a 1-0 defeat at in-form St Mirren – their fifth defeat in six games in all competitions.
They made Steven Naismith their head coach after a confusing arrangement with Frankie McAvoy when they were supposed to be in joint command.
But there are plenty of Jambos moaning about the coaching set-up which doesn't appear to have worked out what their best team is yet.
Even their win against Aberdeen at Tynecastle during that run wasn't a vintage performance and they have yet to win away this season.
How the bookies view it
Hearts are favourites here at 8/5 with 888sport.
Killie can be backed at 9/5 with bet365 and the draw is 21/10 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
As mentioned, Hearts and Killie have already fought out a goalless draw at Tynecastle this season.
Killie have won two of their last thre meetings at Rugby Park against Hearts too.
Players to watch
Danny Armstrong is Kilmarnock's best player by a distance. Even from the wing he looks their biggest goal threat and he also takes the penalties. He scored a double at Dens Park and is a hefty 6/1 with bet365 to score anytime.
Lawrence Shankland is always the danger man for Hearts and he is due a goal after going five games without a goal following his initial five goals in his opening six games of the season. He is 2/1 with bet365 to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
Kilmarnock reached the semi-final of this competition last season and can do so again at the expense of a Hearts side that don't seem to be clicking.
Hearts generally don't enjoy their trips to Ayrshire to play on the notorious surface of Rugby Park and they could suffer more disappointment here.
Killie boss Derek McInnes was raging his side blew a great chance to get the win at Dundee and will demand a reaction. His side are well organised and could have too much for Hearts physically.
The 7/4 with 10bet on the hosts scoring two goals or more against a visiting defence that doesn't convince is tempting too.
This Scottish League Cup match between Kilmarnock and Hearts will be played on Sep 26, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs Hearts prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
