MX23RW : Monday, January 11 02:12:34| >> :120:44984:44984:

Preview: Hamilton Academical vs. Motherwell - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Scottish Premiership clash between Hamilton Academical and Motherwell, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Hamilton Academical will welcome Motherwell on Saturday as they hope to get their new year off to a positive start, with the hosts currently sitting at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat against Kilmarnock on Wednesday as they sit just two points ahead of their opponents.


Match preview

Hamilton Academical manager Brian Rice pictured in August 2020© Reuters

Hamilton have endured a hugely disappointing season thus far, picking up just four wins during their opening 20 league fixtures.

Their latest result witnessed a goalless draw against St Johnstone, with Brian Rice's men securing just their 15th point this campaign.

In fact, Hamilton have failed to score in their previous three games, suffering defeats against both Celtic and Livingston.

Their most recent victory came against Ross County on matchday 18 as Hamilton secured a crucial 2-0 win against their opponents, with Ross Callachan and Scott Martin managing to get on the scoresheet.

However, it is worth noting that they also possess a poor defensive record, having conceded a worrying nine goals in their previous three home games.

Motherwell boss Steve Robinson pictured in November 2019© Reuters

Motherwell have also been struggling this season, with the visitors currently sitting in 10th position in the table.

Their recent defeat against Kilmarnock means they have now suffered 10 losses already this campaign, resulting in Stephen Robinson's decision to resign as manager.

During the game, Mark O'Hara was sent off in the early stages of the second half, with the red card proving costly for his teammates.

Motherwell have now gone eight league games without a win, with their previous victory being a 2-0 triumph over Livingston back in October.

The last meeting between the two sides ended in a narrow 1-0 win to Hamilton back in August, featuring a late goal by Hakeem Odoffin.

Hamilton Academical Scottish Premiership form: DLLWLW

Motherwell Scottish Premiership form: LDDLLL


Team News

Celtic's Ryan Christie in Scottish Premiership action with Hamilton Academical's Shaun Want on August 3, 2020© Reuters

Hamilton are currently dealing with a long list of injuries, with both Marios Ogkmpoe and Will Collar set to miss the game with a knee problem.

Ryan Fulton, Shaun Want and David Templeton are also out, leaving Rice with limited options for the weekend.

However, Hamilton supporters will be pleased to know that the likes of Martin and Callachan are expected to be available for Saturday's game.

As for Motherwell, the visitors are without Chris Long and Liam Donnelly, with the players expected to return in January. Charles Dunne is also out with a groin injury, while Scott Fox continues his period on the sidelines.

O'Hara is also suspended, following his straight red in their latest loss against Kilmarnock.

Hamilton Academical possible starting lineup:
Gourlay; Hamilton, A Martin, Easton; Hodson, Odoffin, S Martin, McMann; Callachan, Thomas; Moyo

Motherwell possible starting lineup:
Carson; O'Donnell, Mugabi, Gallagher, Lamie, Grimshaw; Polworth, Crawford, Campbell; Cole, Watt


SM words green background

We say: Hamilton Academical 1-1 Motherwell

Currently, there is not much to separate the two sides, with Motherwell just two points ahead of Hamilton in the table. The visitors are also in poor form and the recent Robinson departure means they are unlikely to pick up a positive result this Saturday.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:428706:cQx

How you voted: Hamilton vs Motherwell

Hamilton Academical
20.0%
Draw
20.0%
Motherwell
60.0%
5
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Hamilton Academical manager Brian Rice pictured in August 2020
Read Next:
Hamilton boss Brian Rice hopes to welcome players back for St Johnstone trip
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1RangersRangers2321205965365
2Celtic19134245153043
3Aberdeen2111642820839
4Hibernian2210663023736
5Livingston219392827130
6Dundee UnitedDundee Utd226881727-1026
7Kilmarnock2273122426-224
8St Mirren206591623-723
9St Johnstone2247111931-1219
10Motherwell2146111832-1418
11Hamilton AcademicalHamilton2253142147-2618
12Ross County2345141442-2817

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!