Kilmarnock FC head into their William Hill Premiership opener against St Johnstone with a clean record from the Premier Sports Cup group stage. Neil McCann’s side progressed as unbeaten Group H winners, giving them a solid start to the new season before league action begins.
The final game in that cup run ended goalless against Peterhead, but it was enough to preserve Kilmarnock FC’s unbeaten status and send them through at the top of the section. That background gives the league opener an added edge, with Killie able to point to early momentum while they turn their attention to the bigger test of the William Hill Premiership.
St Johnstone come in after cup exit
St Johnstone’s build-up has taken a different path. Before the Premiership season, they drew 1-1 with East Fife in the Premier Sports Cup and then lost on penalties. That result ended their cup campaign early and leaves Sunday's meeting with Kilmarnock FC as an immediate chance to reset.
For Kilmarnock FC, the opening league fixture is also a chance to build on a steady start and carry that unbeaten feeling into the top flight. For St Johnstone, it is about responding quickly after a frustrating cup exit and trying to start the William Hill Premiership season in better shape.
How to watch the match
Tickets for Sunday's William Hill Premiership opener against St Johnstone are on sale. Supporters can also watch the match live on Sky Sports, while Killie TV will carry the game for international subscribers.
For fans wanting another reminder of Kilmarnock FC's recent cup progress, their penalty shootout win over Raith Rovers after a 0-0 draw showed the same resilience that has helped shape the early part of the campaign.
