In a critical clash this Wednesday night at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell is bracing his squad for what he describes as a "proper test" against Aberdeen. Despite Aberdeen's current struggles having them placed just one spot above the bottom of the Premiership table, Kettlewell refuses to underestimate the Dons, acknowledging their status as "absolutely one of the biggest clubs in the country."
This match comes at a pivotal time for Kilmarnock, who are eager to recover from consecutive defeats to Hearts and Rangers, marking their first back-to-back losses in this Premiership season. Kettlewell threw light on the heavy investments Aberdeen has made in their squad, signaling that his side is preparing for a fiercely competitive game.
Adding to the challenge, Kettlewell highlighted some injury woes within his team. Key defenders Lewis Mayo and Jamie Brandon are serious doubts for the upcoming match after being substituted at half-time against Rangers due to injuries. However, there's a silver lining as midfielder Kyle Magennis returns to training post a muscle issue.
Kettlewell expressed concerns over recent lapses in ball handling which he believes have led to costly mistakes. His focus is clear - regain confidence in possession and reestablish the robust patterns of play that have been somewhat lacking in recent games. He is fully aware of the threats posed by Aberdeen, noting that if they get their key players on the ball, they can be very dangerous.
As Kilmarnock gears up for this showdown, the emphasis is on bouncing back from recent setbacks, adjusting tactics, and overcoming injury hurdles. This match is more than just another fixture; it's about proving their resilience and reigniting their campaign aspirations.
And now, to wrap up with a bit of humour aimed at our dear rivals from Ayr United - Why did the Ayr United fan sit on a clock? Because he wanted to be on time for a win, but it's been a long wait! Let's hope they don't have to wait much longer; though, ideally after our next derby!
