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

Hamilton Academical entertain an in-form Hibernian side at the Fountain of Youth Stadium in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Brian Rice's side ended an eight-game winless run in the league last time out against Kilmarnock and will be full of confidence heading into the weekend, but face a tricky task in the shape of third-placed Hibs.

Match preview

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The Accies picked up just their fourth league win of the season when Alex Dyer's 10-man Killie fell to Ross Callachan's well-taken penalty.

Despite it being their first three points since September, last week's win lifted Hamilton off the foot of the table, jumping two places to 10th position at the expense of Ross County and St Mirren.

Surprisingly, goals have not been the issue for Rice's men. In fact, Hamilton are the top scorers in the bottom half of the league and have even bagged seven more goals than Dundee United, who are sitting in mid-table.

It is at the other end of the pitch where the problems have been; 36 goals conceded in just 16 league matches is a dreadful record that needs addressing if Hamilton plan to stay above the drop zone on a permanent basis.

This is the Accies' 12th consecutive top flight campaign, and every year they are written off by players, fans and pundits alike.

Somehow they manage to stay afloat, and four points in their last two games, including a draw against Aberdeen, has given them hope that the impossible is achievable once again.

Hibernian defeated Hamilton 3-2 when these two sides met at Easter Road earlier in the season.

That encounter saw Jack Ross's side race into a 3-0 lead thanks to a Paul Hanlon strike and a Kevin Nisbet brace. The 23-year-old summer signing has hit the ground running at the Edinburgh club, and his eight league goals has him firmly in contention for this year's Golden Boot.

A convincing win over Motherwell last week has left Hibs two points behind Celtic and gives the capital club a chance to leapfrog the current champions into second if they can secure the win.

Ross has really transformed Hibs' fortunes since arriving at the club just over a year ago - the former Sunderland manager has his side playing some attractive football and challenging for European places at the top of the division.

Anything other than a victory over Hamilton would be a blow to their Europa League qualification plans.

Hamilton Academical Scottish Premiership form: LLLLDW Hamilton Academical form (all competitions): LLLLDW

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form: DWLDDW Hibernian form (all competitions): LWDDWW

Team News

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Charlie Trafford remains sidelined with a broken ankle for Hamilton, who are also without winger David Templeton, who is still sidelined with an ankle injury.

Striker David Moyo returned to the starting XI for the win over Kilmarnock and should keep his place in the side.

New signing Kyle Magennis remains on the treatment table for Hibs with a hamstring injury, while defender Lewis Stevenson continues to battle an ankle issue.

Ross's big call will be who partners Nisbet in attack. Welsh forward Christian Doidge was dropped for the win over Motherwell, but he could be recalled for this one.

Hamilton Academical possible starting lineup: Fulton; Stirling, Martin, Easton, Thomas; Odoffin, Martin, McMann, Callachan, Smith; Moyo

Hibernian possible starting lineup: Marciano; McGinn, Porteous, Hanlon, Stevenson; Boyle, Hallberg, Newell, Murphy; Doidge, Nisbet

We say: Hamilton Academical 2-4 Hibernian

Despite Hamilton coming into this one on the back of some good results, when Ross's charges are on top form, there are not many domestic sides who can handle them. If Hibs hit their stride, then they should run out comfortable winners.

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