Date: 02/08/25
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: Rugby Park

The new Scottish Premiership campaign begins at Rugby Park on Saturday 2 August 2025 (15:00 BST), as Stuart Kettlewell’s reshaped Kilmarnock side welcome newly-promoted Livingston. This Kilmarnock vs Livingston preview highlights the contrast between a Killie team aiming for a stronger top-flight finish and a Livi side full of belief after a successful Championship season.

Kilmarnock ended last term in 9th place, prompting a managerial change, while Livingston secured promotion through the play-offs after finishing second in the second tier.

In 36 prior meetings, Kilmarnock have dominated with 20 wins to Livingston’s 12, alongside four draws — a trend they’ll hope to extend in front of their home support.

Kilmarnock vs Livingston Team News

Kilmarnock
Kettlewell has reshaped the squad significantly over the summer. Notable arrivals include winger Scott Tiffoney and forward Greg Kiltie to boost attacking options. In midfield, Tom Lowery adds experience, while centre-back George Stanger strengthens the defence.

In goal, Killie signed Max Stryjek and Eddie Beach, offering good competition. Key players like top scorer Bruce Anderson (11 goals last season) and captain Rory McKenzie remain, and the squad has no reported injury concerns heading into this match.

Livingston
David Martindale has also been active in the transfer market. Zak Rudden adds firepower up front, with winger Jannik Wanner and midfielder Mo Sylla also arriving. Creative midfielders Connor McLennan and Graham Carey add further depth.

Crucially, top scorer Robbie Muirhead (19 goals last season) remains the focal point in attack and has already found the net in cup action this summer. Livingston are expected to name a largely unchanged side from their League Cup win midweek.

Kilmarnock vs Livingston Betting Tips

When considering Kilmarnock vs Livingston betting tips, the balance of probability favours the home side. Kilmarnock boast home advantage and have historically dominated this fixture. The visitors recently went unbeaten in eight games, but none were against top-tier opposition. Killie should have the edge on form and familiarity, so backing Kilmarnock to win (or double-chance) is sensible. The head-to-head record suggests another low-scoring game – the last four meetings all had under 2.5 goals – so we advise caution on high-goal markets. In practical terms, our betting tips lean towards a Kilmarnock victory, combined with conservative scorelines and possibly ‘Both Teams to Score: No’, given the tight nature of recent encounters.

Kilmarnock vs Livingston Match Prediction

Our Kilmarnock vs Livingston prediction is a narrow home victory for Kilmarnock. We expect the hosts to edge this contest by a single-goal margin. Kilmarnock have scored freely in pre-season and the cup tie, and their new signings should help unlock goal-scoring opportunities at Rugby Park. Livingston will undoubtedly be competitive, but on balance Killie’s home record and extra firepower give them the upper hand. Historical data supports a tight result: recent clashes have been low-scoring and closely contested. Taking all factors into account, we predict Kilmarnock to win.

Match Prediction:
Kilmarnock to win. Bet with bet365.

Kilmarnock vs Livingston Correct Score Tips & Prediction

For the Kilmarnock vs Livingston score prediction, we foresee Kilmarnock 2-1 Livingston. This reflects our view that Kilmarnock will manage to score twice (likely through players like Tiffoney or Anderson) while Livingston get one goal (probably via Muirhead) in response. The head-to-head stats show an average of about 2.69 goals per game, so three total goals fits the pattern. A 2-1 scoreline accounts for both teams finding the net in line with form, but still giving the win to Killie. Other plausible scorelines could be 1-0 or 2-0 to Kilmarnock if Livingston struggle to score, but our pick is 2-1 based on Killie’s attacking additions and Livingston’s proven scorer.

Correct Score Prediction: Kilmarnock 2-1 Livingston. Bet with bet365.

Kilmarnock vs Livingston Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

Looking at Kilmarnock vs Livingston Over/Under goals prediction, the prudent angle is to back the under. The historical trend is firmly towards few goals: the last four meetings all went under 2.5 goals. Indeed, in those games neither team managed more than one goal per match. Both sides have solid defensive players – Kilmarnock’s backline has been strengthened, and Livingston know how to grind out results. Given this, betting “Under 2.5 goals” appears to be the most consistent play. If one wanted more cover, “Under 3.5 goals” is also likely, but the safer market is under 2.5.

Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Kilmarnock vs Livingston Bet Builder Tip

Our Kilmarnock vs Livingston Bet Builder tip combines a Kilmarnock win with specific goalscorers. Scott Tiffoney is one key threat: the new Killie winger has pace and has scored in recent games, so including “Tiffoney to score anytime” in a Bet Builder is logical. For Livingston, Robbie Muirhead to score anytime is a strong pick, given he was the club’s leading scorer last term. So a bet builder might look like: Kilmarnock to win AND Tiffoney to score AND Muirhead to score. This combination reflects the expected narrow scoreline and the players most likely to find the net.

Bet Builder Tip: Kilmarnock to win, Tiffoney to score, and Muirhead to score. Bet with bet365.

Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

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