Dylan McGowan admits a victory in Fife would be the perfect early Christmas present for everyone involved with Kilmarnock.
The defender knows that his side's form hasn't been good enough against the other sides in the top five - but says three points against Raith would ensure that they can get back on track ahead of a busy festive period.
With just four points out of 21 against Arbroath, Inverness, Partick and today's opponents, it's clear that something has to improve.
Raith left Rugby Park with three points in a 3-1 win earlier this season, it's crucial that Killie take three points back.
And McGowan reckons a win is vital in terms of the title picture.
He said: “I’m up for a battle and looking forward to it. Given where our clubs are in the league at the moment, it’s an intriguing game for neutrals but, for us, it’s a chance to go ahead of them again and get back towards the top of the table, which is where we need to be.
“It’s important we get back to winning ways.
"You’re always going to have little dips in form throughout the season with poor results here and there but we’re very aware that we were never going to breeze through this league, especially at the start.
“Now it’s about getting back to winning ways and staying at the right end of the table while all the new boys get more used to each other I’m sure we’ll fly up the league.”
Killie will be without Jason Naismith who went under the knife earlier this week, and he's expected to be sidelines for up to six weeks.
Stephen McGinn [hamstring] will miss out and Chris Stokes will be assessed this morning for a couple of niggles.
Rugby Park boss Tommy Wright is set to make changes to the side who lost to Inverness as he bids to bounce back.
He said: "The record hasn't been great against the top five, we know that, we know we have to improve.
"There's a lot more to come from the team, players know that.
The fact we are still up the top end of the table despite not being at our best is something we can take confidence in.
"We will get better, I have no doubt about that, they are better than what they've shown."
He added: "I still plan to make changes, I don't say things like that without meaning them.
"With the squad we have I have got that opportunity, if players aren't performing they will be out of the team."
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