Kilmarnock Archives - Page 2 of 4

Neil McCann Announced as New Kilmarnock Manager

Kilmarnock have announced former Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann as their new manager on a one-and-a-half-year contract. The 51-year-old has replaced Stuart Kettlewell who left the post on the 15th of December following a 10-match run without a win, a run that has now stretched to 14. McCann who had a glittering playing career winning major honours at both Tynecastle and Ibrox takes his third managerial job after previously working at both Dundee and Inverness Caley Thistle. McCann has also worked as an assistant coach at both Dunfermline Athletic and most recently when he worked under Barry Ferguson at Rangers at the end of last season. Billy Dodds will join McCann as his assistant after also working at Rangers last season, tasked with the job of saving Killie’s season. Both have spent long periods in-between coaching jobs working as pundits on BBC Sport Scotland TV and Radio programmes, respectively. Kilmarnock currently sit in 11th place with 13 points from 21 games, just four points above bottom place Livingston. The first game is a massive one for the new Killie coaching team as they face Livingston away in a real relegation 6-pointer which will clearly be seen as a must win for both teams. A cup game at home to Dundee then three league fixtures away to Motherwell, at home to Aberdeen, then away to Rangers fills out the rest of the next five games for Killie meaning it’s far from being an easy start to life at Rugby park for the new coaching staff. Killie have only spent one season outside the topflight since 1993, that being the 2021-22 season where Derek McInnes gained promotion straight back to the Scottish Premiership and McCann and Dodds will be desperate not to take the club back down.

January 6, 2026

Kilmarnock Manager Shortlist Whittling Down With Interviews Scheduled

Kilmarnock’s shortlist for the next manager will be narrowed further as the Ayrshire side interview their preferred candidates over the weekend. Former Hearts and Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has been identified as a target, as well as Aberdeen coach Peter Leven. The Rugby Park outfit sacked Stuart Kettlewell just over two weeks ago after a winless run of 10 games, and the 41-year-old is already back in the dugout, returning to Ross County where he played and managed, winning promotion to the Scottish Premiership in both spells. Neilson guided Hearts back to the Premiership in his first spell as Jambos manager, before doing the same with Dundee United four years later in 2020. He made it a hat-trick of Championship promotions when he left for Hearts in the same year, and also finished runner-up in a penalty shootout Scottish Cup Final defeat to Celtic. After leaving Scotland in 2022, the former Scottish international’s last managerial role was with Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL, before linking up with former Killie midfielder Lee Johnson at Belgian side Lommel SK to become his assistant. Leven also enjoyed time at Rugby Park as a player from 2004 to 2007, as well as two years as assistant manager to Gary Locke and Lee McCulloch from 2015 to 2017. His only experience as head coach has came at Belarusian side Dynamo Brest’s B team, as well as a handful of matches as Aberdeen caretaker, having been part of the Pittodrie setup since 2023. Steve Bruce has also been linked with the vacant post, with his son Alex incidentally playing one season at Kilmarnock from 2019-2020. The 65-year-old did say he would be unlikely to manage again however, following his dismissal from English League One side Blackpool three months ago. Killie released a statement yesterday from their Board of Directors, saying they ‘expect to have a first team manager in place next week’, which would set up a potential first clash against 12th placed Livingston, of whom Kilmarnock only sit 4 points above in 11th.

January 1, 2026

Stuart Kettlewell Sacked By Kilmarnock

Stuart Kettlewell has been sacked as manager of Kilmarnock after only seven months in charge. The 41-year-old replaced Derek McInnes at Rugby Park after signing a two-year contract in May of this year, but a winless run of ten games, including a 2-1 defeat away to Aberdeen yesterday, has sealed his fate. Former assistant Stevie Frail also departs, with ex-Partick Thistle boss Kris Doolan taking interim charge before he assumes his new role as Head of Development and under 19s manager. A statement on the official club website from the Club’s Board of Directors reads: “This has been a difficult decision taken after careful consideration. We believe there is plenty of quality in the squad and had hoped that results would turn around. Unfortunately change is now required to best serve the interests of Kilmarnock FC. “Our focus is now on providing stability, supporting the squad, and supporting Kris, Craig and Paul as they lead the team forward while we progress with the next steps. “With an important run of festive fixtures about to get underway, starting this weekend at home to Falkirk, we hope all supporters can stick with us as we aim to get back to winning ways.” Kilmarnock currently sit 11th, just three points ahead of Livingston who have played one game less, and host Falkirk this Saturday.

December 15, 2025

Kilmarnock 0-3 Rangers: Miovski Double Inspires Rohl’s Rangers to Victory

Kilmarnock 0-3 Rangers Miovski (33′, 54′) Moore (81′) Rangers reclaimed 4th place in the Scottish Premiership after a clinical victory at BBSP Rugby Park, pushing Kilmarnock’s losing run to nine games. The visitors were looking to bounce back from consecutive draws and had the game’s first chance. Miovski headed Connor Barron’s free kick straight at Tobi Oluwayemi in the 7th minute. Rangers continued to grow into the match. Djeidi Gassama latched onto a Mohamed Diomande pass in the 14th minute, but flashed his left-footed strike over the bar from a tight angle. Bruce Anderson raced clear of the Rangers’ backline three minutes later. He lifted the ball over the onrushing Jack Butland, but Connor Barron was on hand to clear off the line. Stuart Kettlewell’s side looked structured in their approach; they limited Rangers in the forward areas for much of the first half, drawing belief from the home faithful. That was until the 32nd minute, thanks to Miovski. The Macedonian striker gathered the ball in a crowded box and squeezed a clever left-footed strike past Oluwayemi, who perhaps could have done better with the poked shot. Anderson flashed a half-volley wide of Butland’s goal four minutes later as the home side looked to respond; however, it had been a frustrating half for Kettlewell’s men. Miovski added his second goal of the game in the 53rd minute. Nicolas Raskin drove at the home defence and fed the striker at the back post. After cutting inside, he drilled a low strike past Oluwayemi at his near post. Anderson smashed a low strike towards goal from a Dom Thompson corner kick in the 64th minute, but Scott Tiffoney could not convert. Butland pushed away a Robbie Deas header from the next corner, as the home side attempted to hit back. Barron misjudged a backpass in the final 15 minutes, but Butland was on hand to clear from Anderson’s path. The goalkeeper took plenty of Anderson in his clearance, but VAR took no further action. Substitute Mikey Moore sealed the three points in the 80th minute. The winger scampered infield after turning away from Lewis Mayo and delivered a composed strike into the bottom corner from the centre of the box. Moore thought he had added Rangers’ fourth moments later, after dinking Oluwayemi from a tight angle. But play was rightly brought back for an Emmanuel Fernandez foul in the buildup. Butland produced a low save to deny Tyrece John-Jules in additional time. The victory moves Rangers back to fourth place and level on points with Motherwell in third. They return to Europa League action against Ferencvárosi on Thursday evening. Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi 5 Brown 6 Mayo 5 Deas 5 Thompson 6 Kiltie 6 Polworth 6 Watson 7 Tiffoney 5 Anderson 6 Dackers 7 Substitutes: Lowery 6 John-Jules 6 Brannan 5 Rangers: Butland 7 Aarons 7 Djiga 7 Fernandez 7 Meghoma 7 Raskin 8 Barron 8 Diomande 7 Gassama 7 Miovski 8 Bajrami 6 Substitutes: Curtis 6 Danilo 6 Tavernier 6 Chermiti 6 Moore 7

December 6, 2025

Kilmarnock 1-1 Dundee United: Scrappy Stalemate at Rugby Park

The points were shared at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park following a contentious penalty andgoal line clearance decision as Kilmarnock break six game losing streak, drawing 1-1 with Dundee United. Stuart Kettlewell made three changes to his Kilmarnock side which lost to Motherwell lastweek as Ethan Brown, Bradley Lyons and Marley Watkins were brought into the side. Meanwhile, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin made six changes to the side which wasblown away by Falkirk last Saturday. Dave Richards replaced Kucherenko following thelatter’s howler at Tannadice, whilst captain Ross Graham, Panutche Camara, Ryan Strain,and Max Watters all returned to the starting eleven. Following early pressure by both teams, the first key decision for referee MatthewMacDermid came 14 minutes into the match as, after a VAR check, Ethan Brown was judgedto have fouled Krisztian Keresztes in the box and Dundee United were awarded the penalty. Tobi Oluwayemi would emerge as the hero for Kilmarnock in this instance, as the Celticloanee would save Max Watters effort onto the post and deny the striker his fifth goal of theseason since joining the Dundee side in the summer. Kilmarnock would look to take advantage of Watters’ miss as 20 minutes later Keretzes’challenge on Marley Watkins would send the Englishmen onto the deck, and despite callsthat Watkins went down too easy Kilmarnock were awarded a penalty of their own. Dave Richards almost emulated Oluwayemi as he saved Bruce Anderson’s attempt with hisfeet, however the ball would roll back to Anderson to follow into the back of the net andgive Kilmarnock the lead. This was Anderson’s third goal in all competitions since the start ofthe season. Kilmarnock thought they had a quickfire second when Dundee United failed to deal withDominic Thompson’s freekick and Scott Tiffoney’s header was cleared off the line. Replays showed that the ball had in fact crossed the line, however the referee wouldinstead bring play back for a supposed foul against Dave Richards, much to the disapprovalof the home crowd, as Kilmarnock possessed the one goal advantage going into halftime. Dundee United needed a response for the second half, and less than 20 minutes into playthey would find it, as Ryan Strain and Luca Stephenson would link up well to find theonrushing Craig Sibbald, who would slot home his finish into the bottom corner to giveUnited their equaliser and get his third goal in five matches. In the final 30 minutes of the match, both teams would see spells of possession but a lack ofclear-cut chances and a busy MacDermid would blow his whistle for full time to see the finalscore as 1-1. This result would see Kilmarnock break their run of six straight losses and sit just above therelegation playoffs in tenth place. They face a midweek trip to the capital to play currentleague leaders Hearts, who are winless in their last three matches. Dundee United are four points off the top six with this result, and only one point aboveeighth placed Aberdeen. They host Rangers in their Wednesday night match, with thetravellers having won all four of their league games under new manager Danny Röhl. Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi, Deas, Mayo, Brown, Thompson, Lyons (c), Watson, Brown,Tiffoney, Watkins, AndersonSubs: Lowery, Kiltie, Thomson, John-Jules, Dackers Dundee United: Richards, Keresztes, Graham, Iovu, Ferry, Sibbald, Stephenson, Camara,Strain, Watters, SapsfordSubs: Fatah, Möller, Dolček Attendance: 4,263

November 30, 2025

Falkirk 3 – 1 Kilmarnock: Furious First Half Performance Seals Home Win for The Bairns

Falkirk 3-1 Kilmarnock Williams (7′) MacIver (22′) Millar (38′) John-Jules (69′) Falkirk enjoyed a comfortable win over Kilmarnock to move back into the top six, thanks to a brilliant first-half attacking performance. The Bairns started quickly, eager to add their second home victory of the season. Calvin Millar dispossessed the Kilmarnock defence on the edge of the box, but Tobi Oluwayemi easily gathered his left-footed strike. Falkirk opened the scoring in the 7th minute, Millar’s delicate pass was gathered by Ethan Williams, who rounded Oluwayemi to slot home. The offside flag was quickly raised, but VAR overturned the decision to the delight of the home faithful. Falkirk had space to attack at will in the first half. Williams and Kyrell Wilson linked on the left edge of the box, with the latter going down in the box, which David Dickinson quickly waved off. The home side continued to contain their opposition, and Ross MacIver doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute. The striker was quickest to react to Wilson’s parried shot, and he sidefooted the rebound past the stranded Oluwayemi. Kilmarnock have lost three of their last four league encounters, and were booed by their visiting support following the second goal. Falkirk’s energetic nature continually unsettled Stuart Kettlewell’s men in a dominant first half. Goalscorer MacIver hobbled off on the half-hour mark, but Falkirk continued to carry a threat. Keelan Adams marauded down the right with a signature run, skinning Dom Thompson, but blazing over. Wilson dragged a left-footed shot wide in the 35th minute as Falkirk searched for a third. That goal arrived shortly after, thanks to Millar. The winger collected Williams’ pass and drilled a low strike through Oluwayemi’s legs. The goal signalled the end for some Killie fans, who opted for an early exit. Unsurprisingly, Kettlewell opted for a triple change at the start of the second half. Marcus Dackers, Tyreece John-Jules, and Tom Lowery were added in an attempt to reduce the home side’s advantage. The visitors thought they had scored after Robbie Deas headed home from a corner, but play was brought back as Deas collided with Scott Bain in the build-up. Bain pushed John-Jules’ low strike past the post in the 52nd minute as their positive response continued. Thompson marauded down Kilmarnock’s left in the 58th minute; his powerful shot was gathered by Bain again. Falkirk’s attacking players had stolen the first-half headlines, but their goalkeeper was proving his worth to maintain their clean sheet. Kilmarnock’s frustrating afternoon continued in the 66th minute, when Bruce Anderson was unable to evade the offside trap after slotting home. But they did open their account moments later. John-Jules, who had looked lively off the bench, swivelled in the box and blasted home to reduce Falkirk’s advantage. Falkirk saw out the game, which pushes them into the top 6; they welcome Livingston next weekend. Kettlewell’s side showed fight in the second period, but must improve for their trip to Celtic Park next Sunday. Falkirk: Bain 8 Adams 8 Henderson 8 Spencer 8 MacIver 7 Cartwright 7 Allan 8 Wilson 8 Lissah 8 Williams 9 Miller 8 Substitutes: Graham 7 Agyeman 7 Ross 6 Arfield 6 Tait 6 Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi 6 Brannan 5 Stanger 5 Deas 5 Thompson 6 McKenzie 6 Watson 6 Lyons 5 Tiffony 5 Anderson 5 Dackers 4 Substitutes: Brown 5 Lowery 5 John-Jules 6 Kiltie 5

November 1, 2025

Aberdeen return to winning ways after big win in Ayrshire

Stuart Armstrong’s first half strike earns Aberdeen crucial win in Ayrshire and ends the Dons’ five year drought at Rugby Park It was an impressive start for the Dons, where they saw the majority of the possession. Aberdeen had a very early chance, but Jesper Karlsson’s effort was blocked. Kilmarnock soon had one of their own, from the edge of the box, but it was well saved by Mitov in goals. Aberdeen found themselves ahead after 16 minutes, Karlsson with an effort deflected off a Kilmarnock defender, where Stuart Armstrong calmly struck it into the corner of the net to send the Dons ahead. Killie had a great chance to draw level, Dackers had an attempt from close range but fired high, which should’ve rattled the back of the net. Aberdeen probably played the better football, but it’s just the one goal which separates the sides going into the break. Killie had a great chance early in the first half, Thomson with a corner into the box, and Deas with a simple tap in at the back post but smashed it high and misses as the ball came quickly at him. Robbie Deas had the ball in the net, a short free kick from Thomson clipped onto Polworth, who whipped it into the box, but Brad Lyons, who put the ball into Deas, found himself offside. Zac Williams nearly had the hosts level again, but a header was saved comfortably by Mitov in goals. Kilmarnock came close once again in the final 15, a corner in from Dominic Thomson, and Lyons coming in quickly with his heading, firing wide of goal. Aberdeen were having to defend well in the latter stages as Kilmarnock were looking very confident in grabbing an equaliser as the hosts piled on the pressure. The home side were piling on the pressure but just weren’t managing to get the ball into the net as the Dons continued to defend for their lives. There were penalty claims by Killie after Dackers was taken down by the goal scorer, Armstrong, but nothing given. The full-time whistle went, as the Dons will be very glad the whistle went, but a crucial three points for Aberdeen as Jimmy Thelin takes the vital win back up to Pittodrie. Player Ratings: Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi 6, Stranger 7, Deas 8, Williams 6, Brannan 6, Watson 6, Lyons 7, Polworth 6, Thomson 7, Dackers 6, Kiltie 6. Subs: John-Jules 6, McKenzie 6, Tiffony 6, Anderson 6. Aberdeen: Mitov 8, Devlin 7, Milne 8, Knoester 7, Jensen 7, Shinnie 7, Polvara 7, Lobban 7, Karlsson 8, Lazetic 6, Armstrong 9. Subs: Nisbet 6.

October 30, 2025

Jimmy Thelin and Aberdeen make the trip to Ayrshire to face Kilmarnock

Aberdeen make a trip to Ayrshire in which has proven tough for the Dons’ as pressure mounts on Jimmy Thelin. Kilmarnock haven’t started badly so far this campaign as the Ayrshire side sit 8th only two points off of top six. However, they have only picked up two league wins this season with four draws and three defeats for the Ayrshire side. Aberdeen on the other hand, they have had a poor start to the season as the Dons’ sit 11th just one point off of bottom of the league Livingston. They have also just had the two wins as well the one draw and six defeats in the process. Pressure has been building on Jimmy Thelin since Sunday as Killie look to continue to put the pressure on Jimmy. Form Kilmarnock have lost their last two matches despite them being very tough. The Rugby Park outfit lost to league leaders, Hearts 3-0 before being defeated to Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday. Their last league victory came at the start of October, defeating St Mirren 2-0. Aberdeen however, they were defeated at home to Hibernian 2-1 in a game which was full of drama with Hibs showing their class in the Granite City. Aberdeen picked up their only two wins recently defeating Dundee 4-0 and a very last gasp winner by Marko Lazetic to secure the win at St Mirren. Last meeting The last time these sides met, Aberdeen ran away 1-0 winners in February thanks to a late Oday Dabbagh goal securing Aberdeen the win. The last meeting in Ayrshire between the sides, Killie won 4-0 on Boxing Day last year to give the Killie support a late Christmas gift. Aberdeen have had very bad luck in Ayrshire as the Dons’ haven’t manage to secure a win at Rugby Park since 2020 with Ryan Hedges and Sam Cosgrove sealing a 2-0 against 10 man Killie. Stats Kilmarnock have found their shooting boots, scoring 7 goals in their last five. The sides have not drawn in the last 13 meetings. Aberdeen have netted on 8 occasions in their last 5. On loan winger, Karlsson has created the most chances for the Dons’ (4). Killie top goal scorer is David Watson with three goals and Lazetic for the visitors with two goals. In this meeting, Aberdeen have won 52, Kilmarnock have won 36 as well as 23 draws. Kilmarnock have won their last four home meetings with Aberdeen although Stuart Kettlewell has lost 8 in his last 11 meetings with Aberdeen.

October 29, 2025

Saints Seal Shootout Glory to Dump Killie and Book Hampden Spot

Kilmarnock 2-2 St Mirren (3-5 On Penalties ) Deas (44) Anderson (Penalty 86) Mandron (25) Richardson (59) Penalty Scored: Anderson, Watkins, Thompson King, Idowu, Donnelly, Nlundulu, Dijksteel Penalty Missed : Magennis St Mirren repliacted their penalty heroics of the last round as they beat Kilmarnock 5-3 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw to book a spot at Hampden for the Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final Stuart Kettlewell made one change to his starting eleven from last weekends gut wrenching final minute defeat to Celtic as former St Mirren midfielder Greg Kiltie came into midfield in place of Rory McKenzie. Former St Mirren captain Kyle Magennis made his return from injury settling for a place on the bench. Stephen Robinson made an enforced change as Richard King who came off the bench in St Mirren’s victory away to Falkirk replaced the injured Marcus Fraser. Liam Donnelly who switched Ayrshire for Paisley in, the summer made the bench on his return from injury. Jonah Ayunga looked to give St Mirren the early advantage 90 seconds in sending an effort into the side netting after a ball into the box from Killian Phillips. Right up the over end Greg Kiltie sent an effort into the hands of Shamal George as he looked to haunt his previous club. The frantic start to the game continued, Mandon sent a long-range effort close as a block sent it just past the post Just after the ten-minute mark impressive play down the right flank from Jayden Richardson who whipped a ball onto the end of Mikael Mandron who could only see his headed effort drift wide. Greg Kiltie came close to giving the home side the lead moments later, however his effort was just wide of the target as the game was back and forth with both teams trying to get the upper hand. Just after the twenty-minute mark Kilmarnock captain Robbie Deas sent a dominic thompsom deelivery wide after a foul from Jayden Richardson which landed the right-back into the book. Mikael Mandron sent the away fans into raptures just before the twenty-five-minute mark after he took down a long ball from Jayden Richardson flicking the ball over the head of Mayo before composing himself to slam the ball past the helpless Max Stryjek in the Kilmarnock goal. Kilmarnock looked to respond to going behind with Marcus Dackers holding the ball up well making himself a handful for the St Mirren defence , However a couple of crosses into the box were plucked out the air by Shamal George The first half looked to be petering out with a succession of St Mirren fouls before a Dominic Thompson free kick met the head of captain Robbie Deas who bulleted his headed effort past Shamal George who could only stand there as Kilmarnock drew level. The first chance of the second half came for the visitors in the fifty second minute after good play down the left-hand side the ball was played into Phillips whose effort was superbly tipped onto the croosbar by Max Stryjek. After limited chances in the second half the Buddies retook the lead just before the hour in spectacular fashion. A long throw from Keanu Baccus whose delivery was twice headed out before landing to Jayden Richardson outside the box who sent a volley firing towards the top corner. Straight from kick off buoyed by retaking the lead St Mirren came forward Jonah Ayunga seeing an effort tipped wide by Stryjek. Bruce Anderson looked to restore parity, but his effort was shepherded by Miguel Freckleton who deflected it wide for a corner. With twenty-five minutes left on the clock a Dominic Thompson free kick was deflected out for a corner, The home side appealed for a penalty which fell on deaf ears as David Dickinson stuck to his guns and with no VAR in operation there was no chance for a review. The game descended into a frantic pace as the game entered the final fifteen minutes with the game going from end to end to no avail for either side. St Mirren nearly had a third as Jonah Ayunga fired an effort into the grateful hands of Max Stryjek With five minutes left Kilmarock were awarded a penalty as Richard King brought down Marley Watkins. Bruce Anderson dispatched his penalty to perfection as he sent Shamal George the wrong way to pull Killie back level. Four minutes added on at the end of the ninety, however neither team could find the decisive breakthrough and into extra time the game headed. Despite Kilmarnock starting extra time the better side the first chance fell to the away side as Dijksteel and John linked up down the left-hand side with the latter firing an effort over the bar The rest of the first half of extra time passed without incident with neither team creating any chances with the ball largely being passed around as legs began to tired. The second half of extra time came and went as neither team threatened with the only thing happening was injuries to David Watson and Marcus Dackers as the game petered out to a shootout. Anderson, Watkins and Thompson all disptched their penalties for Kilmarnock, With King, Idowu, Donnelly, Nlundulu, Dijksteel all scoring for St Mirren. Shamal George as he did against Hearts in the previous round made himself the hero as he saved from former St Mirren captain Kyle Magennis to send the Buddies to Hampden sparking a pitch invasion from the Saints faithful. Kilmarnock: Stryjek 7 Brown 6 Mayo 6 Stanger 6 Deas 7 Thompson 8 Polworth Kiltie 7 Watson 7 Daniels 6 Dackers 6 Substitutes: Anderson 7 Watkins 7 Brannan 5 Magennis 5 Williams 5 St Mirren: George 7 Richardson 7 King 6 Gogic 6 Freckleton 6 John 7 Baccus 6 O’Hara 6 Phillips 7 Ayunga 6 Mandron 8 Substitutes: Donnelly 5 Dijksteel 5 Idowu 5 McMenamin 5 Nlundulu 5

September 20, 2025

SNN’s Scottish League Cup Quarter Final Preview

Kilmarnock v St Mirren The two sides open proceedings under the lights at BBSP Rugby Park. Killie arrive following a heartbreaking 2-1 league defeat against Champions Celtic, courtesy of a 96th-minute Kelechi Iheanacho penalty. After safely negotiating Group H, they bested Premiership rivals Dundee United in the 2nd Round. Brad Lyons was the hero, thanks to a 69th-minute volley. St Mirren registered their first league victory away at Falkirk last Saturday, currently sitting 4th in the Scottish Premiership. Despite losing their opening group match against Arbroath on penalties, they recovered to top Group D. Narrow victories over Forfar and Ayr, as well as a marauding 8-2 victory over Annan, secured passage. Shamal George was the hero in the 2nd round, saving Claudio Braga’s penalty to progress at the expense of Hearts. Stephen Robinson will have full focus on securing the Buddies’ first trip to Hampden for 5 seasons. Aberdeen v Motherwell Motherwell visit Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon, having drawn their opening five games in the Scottish Premiership. Jens Berthel Askou’s side have impressed with their free-flowing football, summer signings Elliot Watt, Elijah Just, and Lukas Fadinger invigorate the Fir Park midfield. Watt and Fadinger combined in the last round, the latter netted in the 109th minute to fire Askou’s boys into the quarters against relegated St Johnstone. 4 wins out of 4 in Group G. They aim for back-to-back League Cup semi-final appearances, after facing Rangers at Hampden 10 months ago. They face an Aberdeen side who currently sit at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. With three defeats, one draw, and zero goals scored, the cup game may present a welcome distraction for the Aberdeen faithful. After a 16-game unbeaten start last season, they were beaten 6-0 by Celtic in the League Cup semis. However, this was Thelin’s only domestic cup defeat after securing a famous Scottish Cup victory in May, Aberdeen’s first since 1990. They defeated Morton at Cappielow in the last round, a comfortable 3-0 victory. Rangers v Hibernian Russell Martin remains under serious pressure as Hibernian visit Ibrox on Saturday evening. Their only win in eight games came in the previous League Cup round, a 4-2 victory over 3rd tier Alloa Athletic. A Lawrence Shankland double last Saturday means Martin has failed to win any of his first five league games. The first Rangers manager since John Greig in 1978. He will look to lead Rangers to a second League Cup title in three years, after Philippe Clement’s side beat Aberdeen to the trophy in 2023. They meet David Gray’s Hibernian, who are unbeaten in their previous 3 games against Rangers. Their last trip to Ibrox ended in a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Dylan Levitt and Martin Boyle. The Leith side have lost just 2 of 26 league matches after a turbulent start left them bottom in November. They beat Livingston 2-0 in the 2nd round. Goals from summer signings Thibault Klidje and Josh Mulligan secured the quarter-final showdown. Partick Thistle v Celtic Sunday afternoon sees the League Cup champions visit Partick Thistle. The Firhill side is the only non-Premiership team remaining in the competition. Goals from Dan O’Reilly and Tony Watt saw The Jags defeat Ayr United in the previous round, after 4 wins and 11 goals scored in Group B. Manager Mark Wilson spent 6 years at Celtic, making 98 appearances for the Glasgow giants. They have recovered well from an opening day drubbing at McDiarmid Park, currently sitting 3rd in the Scottish Championship. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are perched at the top of the Scottish Premiership, and defeated Premiership newbies Falkirk 4-1 in the last round. Despite their league position, unrest remains amongst the Celtic fanbase following a subdued transfer window and a Champions League qualifying exit. They have dominated the League Cup in recent years, winning 7 of the last 9 finals, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers last December.

September 19, 2025

Kilmarnock