Match preview: Kilmarnock vs Hibernian

Killie welcome Hibs to Rugby Park in their first Premiership match after the winter break

Kilmarnock play host to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership as they hope to continue their top-six push and solidify their position in fourth.

Team news

Derek McInnes will be hoping that number one goalkeeper Will Dennis has shaken off a minor knock which kept him out of his team's Scottish Cup win over Dundee. His deputy, Kieran O'Hara did, however, keep a clean sheet. As a result of Dennis' injury, McInnes brought in Australian goalkeeper Mark Birighitti on a seven-day loan from Dundee United. This deal does not appear to have been extended.

Greg Stewart should be fit to play despite nursing a slight ankle injury.

Midfielders Brad Lyons and Kyle Magennis remain out of action in the longer term.

McInnes' options in the middle of the park have been bolstered this week with the arrival of England Under-20 international James Balagizi on loan from Liverpool. Killie's new number 14, who played for Wigan Athletic in the first half of the campaign could be in line to make his debut against the Hibees. He was revealed to great fanfare on social media:

The visitors will be without quite a few key players. Martin Boyle, Lewis Miller and Jojo Wollacott are away representing their countries, and Chris Cadden, Josh Campbell, Jake Doyle-Hayes and Adam Le Fondre are out with injuries. Nick Montgomery is hoping to have Paul Halon available again, having missed Hibs' 3-0 midweek defeat to Rangers through illness.

Last time out...

The last time the sides met, Hibernian came out on top, winning 1-0 at Easter Road in November, with a goal from Boyle being the difference between the teams. Here is the best of the action from that game:

The Easter Road boss' first game in charge was actually at Rugby Park. His side let a two-goal lead slip, ensuring the points were shared in September. An entertaining match like that one could be in the offing today:

How to follow the action from home

If you can't make it to Rugby Park, you don't need to miss a kick.

The game will be broadcast on Killie TV. International subscribers will be able to watch the action live, whereas those based in the UK and Ireland will be able to listen to live audio coverage, with the full match replay available first thing on Sunday.

Supporters around the world can listen to live radio commentary from HBSA Hospital Radio, Crosshouse Hospital's radio station. Their HBSA Sports coverage begins at 14:30. To tune in, click here (restrictions apply).