HEARTS could secure third place and the best of the rest ‘prize' with a win at Kilmarnock on Saturday….but it won't make up for more Hampden heartache.
The capital side are 11 points clear of Killie in fourth and will of course get that third spot and guaranteed European group stage football next season either this week or soon, as we approach the first game in the split.
But although Steven Naismith's side have enjoyed a very good league campaign, they will be kicking themselves after yet another no-show against Rangers, as will plenty of punters, in the Scottish Cup semi-final..
Hearts were backed down from an opening 10/1 to almost half that and had plenty to say in the build-up to the last four showdown, but ended up playing like the underdogs they originally were.
It was their 12th defeat in 13 games against Rangers and mirrored their performance in the League Cup at the same venue against the same opponents.
They will have to raise their game on Saturday against a Killie side who are particularly strong in Ayrshire. Derek McInnes' men have only lost twice in the league this year…both to Rangers.
How the bookies view it
Despite the league positions, Kilmarnock are strong favourites here across the board. Betfred's 13/10 is the best you will get for them and Hearts are available at 11/5 with McBookie.com. The draw is 12/5 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
Hearts have twice defeated Killie at Rugby Park which is no mean feat, once in the League Cup. But Killie have twice claimed draws at Tynecastle this season too.
Players to watch
Kyle Vassell has a respectable eight league goals this season for Killie and the journeyman striker has scored three goals in his last four games. He is 14/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Lawrence Shankland cut a frustrated figure at Hampden and was seen berating his teammates for his lack of service although the Hearts skipper did miss a great chance with his head too. He has 28 goals for the season and is 13/8 to add to that with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Kilmarnock are probably shorter than you would hope, but they have been excellent on their artificial surface really and proved that the other week when they recovered from being two goals down to blow St Mirren away 5-2.
They are very consistent and were arguably the better side at Tynecastle the other week in a 1-1 draw. They can take advantage of a Hearts side who looked so flat at Hampden.
Both sides have goals in them and Hearts can't make so many wrong option final passes as they did at Hampden, so go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 6/5 with Ladbrokes.
This Scottish Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Hearts will be played on Apr 27, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. 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.