by Stuart Gillespie

Last season saw the Accies record their highest finish in decades and achieve a second consecutive season in the top flight for the first time in over 70 years. Part of that was down to the fine start they made, but things haven't been as good so far this season. Billy Reid's men are just one point above the drop zone and have won once all season, although they are one of just two sides to beat high flying Hibs in the league so far this season. They were arguably unlucky not to grab a draw against Celtic on Sunday, going two goals down before just failing to snatch a point at the death.

Perhaps the reason for Hamilton's slow start is due to the number of high profile players that left the club over the summer. James McCarthy finally sealed his big money move when he joined Wigan, Brian Easton left for Burnley, Richard Offiong departed for Carlisle and Joel Thomas ended up at Colchester United. Although the departures generated plenty of transfer money, Reid found it difficult to sign players with the extra cash at his disposal and has, for the most part, had to resort to bringing in free agents and loan signings. Mickael Antoine-Curier falls into the latter category and has chipped in with a couple of goals, while borrowed Leicester midfielder James Wesolowski has also been a decent signing.

Reid was able to bring in a few high profile names during the summer, one of whom will be familiar to Saints. Midfielder Gary Mason was offered a new deal at the Club after spending two seasons in Paisley, but it was withdrawn due to the collapse of Setanta and he eventually ended up at New Douglas Park. Former Hibs man Guillaume Beuzelin spent even longer without a club, despite training with Celtic, and the pair should be excellent additions to the Hamilton midfield, where they will play alongside the highly rated James McArthur.

Saints record against Hamilton last season was reasonably good as they won two of the four meetings between the two sides. The first was their first ever win at New Douglas Park almost exactly a year ago, Franco Miranda and Billy Mehmet (or perhaps a Hamilton defender) scoring in a 2-1 win. The other victory was notable for being the last ever victory at Love Street, Craig Dargo scoring what turned out to be the ground's final goal. The other two games weren't quite as productive as Saints drew 0-0 in the New Douglas Park return before losing the final game of the season in Paisley 1-0, although they still survived the relegation fight.

Saints boss Gus MacPherson doesn't have his selection problems to seek when it comes to putting out a strike force tomorrow. Although Billy Mehmet is fully fit, Michael Higdon could end up joining the injured Craig Dargo and Tom Brighton on the sidelines. The big striker scored against Motherwell on Tuesday night but did so despite illness, and if he has not fully recovered he may spend the day in the stands - or his bed! Elsewhere in the team Steven Thomson could come back into contention after also struggling with a virus, while this could be Andy Dorman's last chance to impress any Welsh scouts ahead of the national side naming their squad for the upcoming friendly against Scotland. As well as Dargo and Brighton, Steven Robb, Mo Camara and Chris Smith are all missing with injury.

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