Will Killie win title? High stakes at Rugby Park
Here’s everything you need to know before tonight’s Rugby Park clash between Kilmarnock and Arbroath.
What is at stake? Kilmarnock will seal the Championship title if they win. Derek Mcinnes’ team hold a one-point lead over Arbroath with only this match plus one more remaining next week. A win would give Killie an unassailable four-point lead.
Arbroath could overtake Killie with a win and take the title race to the last day. Next Friday night Dick Campbell’s team host Morton and Killie are at Raith Rovers.
A draw this evening would leave Killie in pole position going into those final games. Past meetings
The three previous games between the teams this season have been incredibly tight. Arbroath are unbeaten having won 1-0 at both Gayfield and on their previous trip to Rugby Park, as well as a 0-0 draw in September.
Can both teams go up? Yes. Whoever wins the title is automatically promoted. The second-placed team could yet reach the top-flight via the play-offs. Finishing second guarantees a play-off semifinal against the 3rdv4th playoff winners before the twolegged final against the 11th placed Premiership side.
Will Arbroath be allowed to play at Gayfield if they get promoted?
Yes. The east-coast stadium meets the top flight’s current criteria and the Red Lichties plan to use their home ground should they earn the step up.
How to watch
BBC Scotland will broadcast the match live (Sky channel 115 or Virgin 108), with coverage starting at 7.30pm.
Bookies’ odds
Kilmarnock Evs (bet365), Draw 9/4 (bet365), Arbroath 3/1 (Boylesports)