Kilmarnock vs Hearts Prediction: Can Hearts pull off another surprising performance?

In round 17 of the Scottish Premiership, Kilmarnock will play Hearts at Rugby Park. Heading into this game, the two sides' last meeting was in late October, with Kilmarnock winning. How will they approach this fixture?

Kilmarnock's last league encounter was against Dundee FC, and they secured a 1-1 draw. Kilmarnock needed to come from behind in that encounter to avoid a defeat, thanks to Bruce Anderson’s 90+5 minute strike. In the meantime, Kilmarnock have struggled in their recent matches, failing to win any of their last six games. This team lost to Dundee FC, Celtic, St Johnstone, and Rangers in that run. With 14 points from 16 matches, Kilmarnock sit 10th in the standings, scoring 17 goals and conceding 34.

Hearts took on Dundee FC the previous weekend and secured a win. In that encounter, Lawrence Shankland scored twice for this side in the first half, which is good enough to see this team take maximum points. However, prior encounters to that defeat saw Hearts go five matches without a win. This team lost to Heidenheim, Rangers, Celtic, and Cercle Brugge in that run, while they drew Aberdeen. Hearts have 13 points from a possible 48 this season, scoring 18 goals while conceding 25. 

Kilmarnock and Hearts are way behind par this season and continue to struggle week in and week out. However, Hearts showed a strong level of play last weekend against Dundee, and I feel they could repeat the same feat here. This should be a competitive game, as Kilmarnock could be a tough side to deal with at home. Yet, as both sides are expected to net, a bet on Hearts winning is another option.