I hate games like this one. We're having a decent run of form while Hamilton are struggling so, despite the fact we're the away side, we're probably expected to win. Usually in these situations we screw up big time. Last season we went into a home game against Hamilton having taken seven points from our last three matches. Surely that tally would become 10 in four? Nup, we were awful and deservedly lost 2-0.
Making things worse is the fact Hamilton have yet to win a home game this season. In these situations we are usually only too happy to help out. It's a bit too early in the season to call this a relegation six pointer, but a win tomorrow would be a huge help to our survival hopes. With Hamilton at the bottom, a victory would increase the gap to six points and lift the confidence again.
Sadly, it's looking like we'll have to do it with a strikeforce of Gareth Wardlaw and Paul McGowan. It was hardly a recipe for goals earlier in the season, but it's going to get another chance due to Michael Higdon's suspension and injuries to Craig Dargo and Paul McQuade. With that happening, we need to put someone a bit more attack minded in midfield. Steven Thomson is capable of getting forward, but I'd rather see someone like Aaron Mooy in there. The Aussie has hardly featured since we signed him, which seems a bit odd. He scored against Rangers in a bounce game earlier in the week, so maybe a return to the side beckons.
Aside from that, expect it to be the same team and formation that faced Motherwell last week, with Lee Mair once again missing. The only problem could be that Hamilton like to play a 4-5-1 that becomes a 4-3-3 when they attack. That could leave us a bit open with our preferred 3-5-2 - although I suppose it could change to a 5-3-2 when we're defending. We are fairly limited for defensive options due to Mair's injury, although David Barron is fit again. So too are Steven Robb and Paul Gallacher, although I'd imagine Craig Samson will keep his place. As well as McQuade, Dargo and Mair, we still have to do without Nick Hegarty, Hugh Murray and Garry Brady.
Quite why Hamilton are having a shocker this season is a mystery to me. They still have the nucleus of the squad that manager Billy Reid has performed miracles with in the last couple of seasons. Youngsters like James McArthur and James McCarthy may have gone, but the hardcore are still there. Reid has rightly gained a lot of plaudits for what he has done with Hamilton, and rightly so. However, his side are a tad dirty, like surrounding the referee at every opportunity and aren't scared of time wasting. They also can be rather boring, although don't expect that tomorrow with them being the home team.
Among the players they've had for a wee while is Simon Mensing, who is more versatile than a Swiss Army knife. He also has a rather handy knack of scoring from just about every position. Martin Canning and Mark McLaughlin are pretty solid as a defensive duo, while keeper Tomas Cerny was wanted by Rangers a few years ago. Alex Neil has also been kicking around New Douglas Park for a while and has been struggling with injury this season, but could be back tomorrow.
Of the newer guard, Dougie Imrie is probably the most notable. The former Clyde and Inverness Caley Thistle man is a real handful and reminds me of James Grady is that he's an annoying, narky wee player that you'd love to have in your own team. Marco and Flavio Paixao are also tricky opponents and both managed to score against us last season. They also look silly and have a weird goal celebration.
Reid has a habit of signing players and binning them within a few weeks, which is what happened to ex Saint Jack Ross during the summer. Of the summer signings he has decided to keep, Nigel Hasselbaink looks like a talent. Nephew of former Chelsea man Jimmy Floyd, he hasn't exactly been banging in goals but he has looked strong and quick - attributes that will give any defence nightmares. And at least he's scored more goals than Damian Casalinuovo, who hasn't managed any yet. That should ensure he scores tomorrow.
Many of the summer arrivals have found it difficult to establish themselves for Accies this season for various reasons. Former Morton man Jim McAlister and midfielder Gary McDonald haven't done much and the same can be said for Gavin Skelton. A few others have made the pitch on a more regular basis and Jonathon Routledge and David Buchanan have both looked handy in midfield.
Games between Saints and Hamilton are rarely exciting - but let's just hope we have a referee or else New Douglas Park will be an even more boring place to be than normal!