Hearts vs Kilmarnock: Betting Odds & Prediction
(Featured image: Alamy Images)
The Scottish Premiership returns this Saturday following the international break as Hearts take on Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm UK time.
Recent Form
Hearts
Hearts have enjoyed mix form in their last five games before the international break, recording two wins, two losses, and one draw. They remain undefeated in their last five home games though, accumulating 13 points out of a possible 15 in the process.
Hearts have scored in 80% of their league games this season and have averaged an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.65 at home, consistent with their average of 1.4 goals per game at Tynecastle.
Their defensive record at home is solid, and despite an average expected goals against (xGA) of 1.27, they've conceded just 0.87 goals per game so far. They have also kept clean sheets in 53% of those fixtures.
A home win would extend the gap between the two sides to fourteen points.
Kilmarnock
The away side have struggled on the roadthis season, averaging just 0.93 points per game so far. They have secured a win in only 14% of their away games, with their last win away from home occurring on December 27th in a 1-0 victory at St Mirren.
Despite an xG of 1.27 in away fixtures, they've averaged just 0.86 goals so far. Kilmarnock have also failed to score in 29% of away matches.
They have slightly outperformed their xGA of 1.42 though, conceding 1.21 goals per away game so far. They have also kept clean sheets in 36% of away fixtures.
Prediction
Kilmarnock have already suffered two defeats against Hearts in all competitions this season, and OddsNow back the home side to complete the hat-trick with another victory this weekend. They boast a decent home record in recent weeks, and have also made habit of scoring plenty in front of their own fans.
It's difficult to back the away side given their poor scoring form on their travels and, despite their respectable defensive records, backing Hearts on the moneyline is the sensible pick here.