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

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

Hibernian will host Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday looking to win their fourth game on the bounce for the first time since October 2018.

Meanwhile, the Accies have picked up four points from their last two away matches and could move out of the bottom two for the first time since September with a win at Easter Road.


Match preview

Hibernian manager Jack Ross pictured in October 2020© Reuters

Hibernian were unable to extend their winning run to four matches on Wednesday night as their fixture away at Ross County was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Jack Ross's side, who sit third in the Scottish Premiership, now head into their clash with Hamilton having had a break of 14 days since a 2-0 win over Aberdeen.

After a dip in form which saw Hibs win just once in seven matches in all competitions between December 19 and January 11, the Edinburgh outfit have since won four of their last five league games and are on course to finish in the top four, with a 10-point gap separating them from Livingston in fifth.

Hibs have a good record against Hamilton, having won seven of their last eight league matches against them, drawing the other encounter 1-1 in October 2019.

With their next four games against teams in the bottom half of the table, Ross will be hoping that his side can finish the campaign strongly and edge towards the club's highest top-flight points total of 67, a tally accumulated during the 2017-18 season.

Hamilton Academical manager Brian Rice pictured in August 2020© Reuters

Hamilton extended their unbeaten run in the league to three matches after they drew 1-1 away at St Mirren on Wednesday evening.

Bruce Anderson scored his second goal in successive games since arriving from Aberdeen in January, which cancelled out Ilkay Durmus's earlier effort, to give the Accies a precious point on the road.

Brian Rice's side now sit one point above Ross County at the bottom of the league and are level on points with Kilmarnock, having played a game less.

The Accies travel to Hibs after picking up five points from their last three matches, including an impressive 4-1 victory away at Motherwell last weekend.

Hamilton have, however, lost each of their last five away games at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership since a 3-1 win back in August 2017.

Claiming three points on Saturday would see the Accies move out of the relegation playoff position and above Kilmarnock into 10th, three points behind St Johnstone, who they face next Wednesday.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form: DWLWWW
Hibernian form (all competitions): WLLWWW

Hamilton Academical Scottish Premiership form: DLLDWD


Team News

Kevin Nisbet pictured for Hibernian in October 2020© Reuters

Earlier this week, Hibs announced that one player has tested positive for coronavirus and is now self-isolating, although the player's identity has not yet been revealed.

Midfielder Joe Newell is still out with a groin injury and left-back Sean Mackie has a thigh problem, but both could return to action in the coming weeks.

Martin Boyle – who has scored four goals in his last three matches, including a brace in the win over Aberdeen – is set to keep his place in the starting lineup ahead of top goalscorer Kevin Nisbet.

Hamilton are still without midfielders David Templeton (groin) and Lewis Smith (hamstring), who are both suffering with injuries.

Defender Aaron Martin, who picked up a foot injury against St Mirren, is doubtful for this weekend's match and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Rice could name the same starting lineup for the fourth successive game, which would see Marios Ogkmpoe partnering Anderson again in attack.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:
Marciano; McGinn, McGregor, Hanlon; Cadden, Gogic, Irvine, Doig; Murphy; Doidge, Boyle

Hamilton Academical possible starting lineup:
Fulton; Hamilton, Odoffin, Easton; Hodson, S. Martin, Trafford, McMann; Callachan; Anderson, Ogkmpoe


SM words green background

We say: Hibernian 2-2 Hamilton Academical

Hibs have beaten Hamilton twice already this season, scoring seven goals in the process, and after returning to form in recent weeks, they will fancy their chances of claiming all three points against them once again.

However, the Accies – who are desperate to escape the bottom two – have also improved of late and may prove to be more of a challenge for the hosts on Saturday.


Top 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


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How you voted: Hibernian vs Hamilton

Hibernian
89.7%
Draw
6.9%
Hamilton Academical
3.4%
29
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Hamilton Academical manager Brian Rice pictured in August 2020
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Rice grateful to Aberdeen boss McInnes for Hamilton's form
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rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1RangersRangers3026407396482
2Celtic30197464234164
3Hibernian29157741261552
4Aberdeen3013983229348
5Livingston29117113635140
6St Mirren2998122834-635
7Dundee UnitedDundee Utd30810122742-1534
8St Johnstone3089133139-833
9Motherwell2977152646-2028
10Ross County2975172253-3126
11Kilmarnock3073202642-1624
12Hamilton AcademicalHamilton2966172856-2824

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