Brad Lyons and Kyle Magennis are still out for Kilmarnock.
Kemar Roofe will not be considered for Rangers due to the artificial Rugby Park pitch. Todd Cantwell, Danilo, Kieran Dowell and Abdallah Sima remain out.
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSKilmarnock have won five of their last eight home games against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership (L3), with Celtic (7) the only other team to inflict multiple such defeats on the Gers in the league since the 2017-18 campaign.
Rangers have won seven of their last eight meetings with Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership (L1), though did lose 1-0 at Rugby Park on the opening day of this season, the Gers’ first opening day defeat in the top-flight since 1998.
Kilmarnock have won five of their last six league games played on a Wednesday (L1), including each of their last three in a row, all by a 1-0 scoreline.
Rangers have conceded just four goals across their 13 away games in the Scottish Premiership this season (W10 D1 L2), the fewest by any side after as many away games of a Scottish top-flight campaign this century.
Rangers’ James Tavernier has been directly involved in 19 goals in his last 20 away appearances in the Scottish Premiership, scoring 16 (8 penalties) and assisting three.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Derek McInnes says Rangers are "far more robust" than the side that were defeated under Michael Beale on the opening day.
The Ibrox side's season got off to an awful start when Brad Lyons' scored a second-half winner to hand Killie all three points in August.
McInnes described that Rangers team as "unsure" on the day, but says the Belgian boss has instilled "confidence" and "certainty" to boost his team to the top of the table.
“The biggest compliment I can give the current manager is that even with a lot of the players that played that day, there’s far more robustness about Rangers," he said.
"There is a strength about them, they certainly have the added confidence that winning gives you.
“When maybe the performance that day [defeat in August] was a wee bit unsure, there is a certainty about them now. You know what you’re going to get. I actually like the way he plays, there is a directness, there is a simplicity, an organisation, you see the detail in their work in and out of possession.
“They don’t think they are anything they are not. They play forward, they ask the question, put balls in the box, take shots on from distance. They work you and you need to be able to stand up to that.
“We’re expecting a tough game but equally, I expect Rangers to get a tough game from us, if we can be anything like ourselves. We feel there is a performance in us that can upset Rangers and cause Rangers problems.”
Image source, SNSKilmarnock boss Derek McInnes has challenged his players to "own that pitch" when league leaders Rangers visit Rugby Park on Wednesday.
Having stunned the Ibrox side on the opening day of the season, the Ayrshire club are looking to rock the boat again and end their opponents' eight-game winning streak in the Scottish Premiership.
"It'll be a collective performance if we're to get anything," McInnes said. "The players should feel confident in themselves.
"We play here every second week. There's a familiarity about what we do here. It's important that Rangers feel us tomorrow night and see that confident Kilmarnock team.
"That will be tested, there's no doubt about it, but we've got to tap in to everything we've got and a confident Kilmarnock player is what's needed against Rangers.
"It'll be bedlam here, it'll be a brilliant atmosphere. It's the type of game that players want to be involved on.
"The game demands that focus and concentration from you. You've got to be ready to fight fire with fire. We want to try and make sure we own that pitch tomorrow night.
"We want to impose ourselves on the game. Some games are easy to do that, tomorrow it'll be challenge against a strong Rangers team.
"We have to have the belief going onto the pitch that we're capable of getting a result. I know we've got the performance in us to win the game and we've got to do so much right to make sure that's the case. "
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has been speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday's visit of league leaders Rangers to Rugby Park.
Here are the key points:
Rangers are "far more robust" and have "added confidence" compared to Michael Beale's side that lost on the opening day in Ayrshire. Says he likes the "simplicity" and "directness" of Philippe Clement's team.
It is important the league leaders "see and feel" the confidence of Killie in their home comforts of Rugby Park. Expects "bedlam" in the stands and challenges his players to "own that pitch".
Hails his front two of Kyle Vassell and Marley Watkins as "unplayable" in Saturday's "dominant" win over Aberdeen. Adds that Matty Kennedy and Danny Armstrong were "terrific" on the wings.
Feels his side are "meeting the demands" expected of them and they have raised their levels of performance in recent weeks.
Achieving top-six football would be a "significant nod to everyone at the club" but he would rather talk about "once they've achieved it".
His January signings have "had to be patient" due to Killie's form in recent months. Kevin van Veen, Greg Stewart, James Balagizi and Gary Mackay-Steven "all have a part to play".
Sandy Armour
Fan writer
Winning games breeds confidence and that was never more evident than at the Theatre of Pies on Saturday as high-flying Killie dismantled a punchless Aberdeen.
Neil Warnock churned out the usual drivel in his post-match interview, but he was lucky it wasn't a much heavier defeat - Killie were miles better all over the park for ninety minutes.
Of course Warnock will have them fired up for the cup tie a week on Saturday and Killie will need to be disciplined for the physical challenge they will encounter.
Before then we have another two huge league games with Rangers at home and Dundee away. We have given ourselves a fantastic chance of finishing in the top six and only a total collapse will prevent that happening.
Rangers are full of confidence but we have beat them already this season and I feel we will give anyone a proper game at the moment. Dundee will also be very tough but we have nothing to fear and with a lot of games close together I think we will see the likes of Greg Stewart and Kevin van Veen getting a starting place in some games.
Sandy Armour is editor of the Killie Hippo fanzine
Kilmarnock consolidated fourth place in the Scottish Premiership with a 2-0 win over Aberdeen on Saturday but face a tough task as they aim for a fourth consecutive home win when they host leaders Rangers on Wednesday.
Derek McInnes' side are unbeaten in seven since losing to the visitors at Ibrox, and beat Rangers at Rugby Park on their last visit in August, but Philippe Clement's team are themselves on a run of 10 straight wins in all competitions.
Who would you like to see in the starting line-up? Pick your team here.
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, BBC/SNSOf course, the final say in the race for Europe all depends on where the Scottish Cup winds up at the end of the season.
In terms of the league table, however, I would definitely expect Kilmarnock and St Mirren to be finishing fourth and fifth.
The only way I can see them being knocked off their perch is if there’s a dramatic turn of events at Easter Road, or if Tony Docherty can pull something out the bag in his impressive first season at Dens Park.
Dundee would need to put on a really consistent run of form to wind up on the continent. They’ve done very well this term and absolutely deserve to be in the hunt for top six.
However, that lack of consistency may just hold them back from being able to challenge St Mirren and Killie.
In particular, you have to praise the business done in Ayrshire this campaign. Even before the start of the season, you could see that they had recruited sensibly. They’ve done so again in January.
With a good manager in charge, it feels as though it’s onwards and upwards for the Rugby Park side.
Michael Stewart was speaking to BBC Scotland's Sean McGill
Jonathan Sutherland, Sportscene presenter
I may have had to shift them positionally, but there was no way I could dismiss the performances of the two Kilmarnock goalscorers in the commanding win over Aberdeen.
Corrie Ndaba's first goal for the Ayrshire club was much-needed after a dominant first-half display in the peak of an excellent showing from the Ipswich Town loanee.
And once again since the turn of the year, Matty Kennedy was Killie's driving force further forward. He's always been talented, but the winger is now a growing and major influence on this impressive outfit.
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Image source, SNSMartin Dowden, BBC Scotland at Rugby Park
Kilmarnock goalscorer Corrie Ndaba says his teammates are all right behind Derek McInnes as they chase down a European spot.
The Rugby Park boss picked up his third win of the season over former club Aberdeen at the weekend, strengthening their pursuit of a top-six finish this term.
And after scoring his first goal for the Ayrshire club, Ipswich loanee Ndaba insists Killie approach every game without fear due to atmosphere created by the manager.
"Tactically and man management, [McInnes is] really good," the defender said. "You can feel that belief and everyone wants to well for him. We all love him.
"I think we started well. We suffocated them and we were quite physical. It was a good performance.
"We know the quality Aberdeen have. We're all together, we know what we can do and we believe in each other.
"We all work hard in training. The gaffer has set us up well. The players we've brought in, it raises the level. Everyone wants to be in the team and wants to play. Hopefully we can keep that up.
"I don't think we're afraid of anyone. I believe we can do well against the top teams."
We asked for your thoughts after Kilmarnock continued their push for European football by swatting aside Aberdeen.
Here's a taste of what you had to say:
Scott: Killie in total control from start to finish. McInnes deserves all the plaudits and our board have backed him. We’ve got strength in reserve, there’s no weak link. Looking forward to Wednesday to really test ourselves against the league leaders. Bring it on!
Courtney: I thought we were really good. We should’ve scored more goals but thought the game was the easiest this season. Hopefully, we can build a stronger team for Wednesday night as we play Rangers and take what we learned today into that match.
Jimmy: I'm 80-years-old and have been a supporter for the better part of 60 years. I can’t thank the board, the management and the players enough for bringing me so much happiness and pride in my old age.
Kilmarnock have scored in their last nine games in the Scottish Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 10 games from 1 September 2018 to 10 November 2018.
Aberdeen have failed to win in their last eight games in the Scottish Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 18th January 2022 to 5th March 2022, a run of 10 games.
Danny Armstrong has assisted nine goals this season (one in this game), no player has more in the Scottish Premiership.
Aberdeen have a record of W1, D1, L7 when trailing at half-time in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Kilmarnock have scored six goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half, only Celtic (10) and Hearts (seven) have scored more in the Scottish Premiership this season.
Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last six Scottish Premiership matches when leading at half-time (W4, D1) dating back to 26 August 2023 against Motherwell (L1-2).
Derek McInnes says achieving top-six football would be "brilliant" after his Kilmarnock side saw off Aberdeen.
Were you at Rugby Park as Kilmarnock continued their charge for Europe?
Wherever you followed the action, we want to know what you made of your side's comfortable win over Aberdeen. Are you already looking out your passport?
Image source, SNSKilmarnock manager Derek McInnes told BBC Scotland: "I thought we were good value for the win. It was tough at times. I thought we had some really strong performers throughout the team.
"My two wide players were terrific. My front two really lead the line. I thought we were pretty comfortable. We could have scored a goal more. It continues the strong home form and the fact we've only lost one in 14. There's still work to be done.
"It was a big performance at Celtic Park last week. You see the strength of the bench, I feel like I'm not searching for the answers. It's just keeping everyone healthy and focused.
"The objective at the start of the campaign was to be strong through the cups and improve our away form. It's important we maintain our form rather than just hope we've done enough at this stage - that's the biggest danger to us.
"Getting into the top six would be brilliant for everyone connected to the club given where we were two years ago. It would mean an awful lot and that's what we're working towards."
Image source, SNSSean McGill, BBC Sport Scotland
For years and years, Kilmarnock fans cursed Derek McInnes' ability to constantly get results at Rugby Park. As Aberdeen manager, he didn't lose a single game in Ayrshire.
Now, thanks to McInnes sitting in the opposite dugout, the tide has well and truly turned. They've now beaten the Pittodrie side three teams this season without reply, and are making the kind of charge for Europe that their opponents demand.
The excellent recruitment conducted in Kilmarnock this term continues to bear fruit, with summer signings Corrie Ndaba and Matty Kennedy making their mark on this occasion.
Having lost just twice in home comforts this league campaign, and now on a run of one defeat in 14 games in all competitions - which came away at rampant Rangers - their pursuit of European football grows stronger by the week.
Matty Kennedy's career had appeared to have stalled at Aberdeen, but back at his boyhood club, the winger is reminding everyone of his talent.
His goal here matched his tally over three years at Pittodrie. The winger is rapidly becoming one of Kilmarnock's most important players.
Image source, SNSKilmarnock are unchanged from their dramatic draw at Celtic Park a week ago, meaning injury-time hero David Watson remains on the bench after his late goal against the champions.
The wait for Kevin van Veen's first league start goes on as the Dutch striker is named amongst the substitutes.
Image source, SNSWatson stays on the bench despite his injury-time equaliser last weekend.
Kilmarnock: Dennis, Mayo, Wright, Findlay, Ndaba, Armstrong, Donnelly, Polworth, Kennedy, Vassell, Watkins.
Substitutes: O'Hara, McKenzie, Watson, Balagizi, Murray, Davies, Stewart, Mackay-Steven, Van Veen.
Aberdeen: Ross, Devlin, Gartenmann, Jensen, MacKenzie, Shinnie, Barron, Duk, McGrath, Polvara, Miovski.
Substitutes: Doohan, Clarkson, McGarry, Hayes, Phillips, Sokler, MacDonald, Milne, Hoilett.
Image source, PA MediaDerek McInnes (right) was headbutted while playing for West Brom against Neil Warnock's Sheffield United
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes says "there is a real respect for his longevity" as Saturday's trip to face Neil Warnock's Aberdeen brings back memories of the infamous "Battle of Bramall Lane".
McInnes was West Bromwich Albion captain as their English second-tier game against a Sheffield United side managed by Warnock ended in chaos in March 2002.
The home side had three men sent off - substitute Patrick Suffo was dismissed for headbutting McInnes, who had earlier scored.
And, when two players went off injured at 3-0 down leaving United with only six players, referee Eddie Wolstenholme had no option but to abandon the game, with McInnes' side subsequently awarded a 3-0 win.
McInnes recalled that he and his team-mates had their own boss, Gary Megson, to please.
"From my point of view, I remember that day being one of relief just winning the game because me and my team-mates went to Cheltenham (races) on a day off and I was more worried about the wrath of my manager," he said.
"He said he would forget us being out midweek if we won at Sheffield United and thankfully we did that and it was a big win for us and a brilliant season.
"We went on to win promotion that year and that was another step along the way."
Saturday's trip to his former club will not be the first time McInnes has met 75-year-old Warnock since that controversial day.
"It really is some feat to keep going and keep the fires lit for management because management is tough for all managers, young and old," he added.
"I came across Neil when I was at Bristol City and I met him a couple of times coming up from London when he was coming up to his place in Dunoon.
"And I had a couple of conversations regarding players, he tried to sign a couple of players over the years, the most recent one was Jonny Hayes [at Aberdeen]."
