KILMARNOCK took a massive stride towards SPFL Premiership safety as they battered Dundee United in midweek but they still head into the final game with a bit of jeopardy as defeat to Ross County would condemn them to a relegation play-off.
With Derek McInnes' side easing to victory at Tannadice and the Staggies trailing 2-0 at home to St Johnstone, it looked like Killie were going to finish the job on Wednesday night.
But Malky Mackay's men staged a brave fightback in Dingwall and went 3-2 ahead before conceding a last-gap leveller to the men from Perth. That goal mattered little in the grand scheme of things, though, as the point made sure Ross County's fate was still in their own hands.
They trail Kilmarnock by three points heading to Rugby Park but have a better goal difference so a victory would see Ross County leap above their hosts and secure top-flight football for another season.
County looked doomed after a 6-1 thumping at Tynecastle last month but have picked up seven points from their last four games to give themselves a fighting chance.
Winning at Kilmarnock is no easy task, however, with McInnes' men losing just five times at home all season. Once of those defeats came in their last Rugby Park outing against St Johnstone, ruining one of my bets, but a red card for David Watson left them playing the entire second half with 10 men.
Killie bounced back with that impressive victory at Tannadice and McInnes will now be confident of completing the escape mission back at home, especially if a big crowd turns up to roar them on.
How the bookies view it
Kilmarnock's impressive home form makes them favourites for this one at a best 21/20 with SportingIndex. Ross County are 29/10 with Betfair and the draw pays 5/2 at William Hill.
Recent head to head
Ross County have just edged their clashes with Kilmarnock this season, winning two of the three games and losing the other. But that defeat did come at Rugby Park and the Staggies have gone seven games without a win on their trips to Ayrshire, with Killie winning five of those matches.
Players to watch
Kyle Vassell was Kilmarnock's hero in midweek with the double and the Englishman now has three goals in his last three matches. He's worth a look for anytime scorer at 9/4 with William Hill provided he shakes off a knock to start.
Jordan White stepped up in another huge game for Ross County when he netted a hat-trick at Tannadice a fortnight ago then followed it up with another vital goal in midweek. The target man is also 9/4 with Hills for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
With so much at stake it should be a tense and edgy 90 minutes. In those scenarios the half-time draw is always worth a look and that pays 11/10 at Betfred. McBookie also price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 5/4 and that stands a good chance of landing as well.
It could get a bit tasty with tackles flying in and that makes the card markets worth a look once they are priced up. Ross County's Connor Randall has four yellows in his last six outings and is 6/5 (Bet365) for another card here while Killie's Ash Taylor always gets stuck in and is 8/5 with the same firm.
We saw 12 corners when Killie last hosted the Staggies and this game has the potential for plenty more as one of the teams will always be on the front foot in search of a goal. Over 10 corners appeals and it's priced evens at Be365.
This Scottish Premiership match between Kilmarnock and Ross County will be played on May 28, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Kilmarnock vs Ross County prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
