Kilmarnock v Aberdeen: survival battle meets mid-table climb | OneFootball

Kilmarnock host Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership at Rugby Park on Saturday, 31 January 2026, with the hosts trying to pull clear of 11th and the visitors looking to build momentum after recent wins.

Aberdeen have the head-to-head edge this season, winning 1-0 at Rugby Park in October and 2-1 at Pittodrie in December. That record frames a significant afternoon for Kilmarnock, who need points to steady their campaign.

Form points opposite ways. Kilmarnock are winless in five league matches, including a 4-0 defeat at Motherwell last weekend. The Dons arrive off back-to-back victories in all competitions, beating Raith Rovers in the cup and then Livingston 6-2 in the league.

Season trends hint at the shape of the game. Kilmarnock average 39% possession and have scored 20 and conceded 43 across 23 matches. The Dons have 26 league goals with 79.13% pass accuracy and 48% of the ball. Marco Lazetic is among their leading threats with four league goals, while Stuart Armstrong has supplied four assists.

Set pieces could matter. Kilmarnock have conceded eight penalties this season, and the Dons are perfect from the spot with two converted, so any lapses in the box may be costly.

A home win would lift Kilmarnock to 17 points and could ease relegation pressure while extending their cushion over bottom side Livingston. Victory would move the Dons to 31 points, strengthening their hold on seventh and keeping them in touch with the sides above.