Saturday Hamilton Preview

[Daver]

ACHE FOR THE ACCIES?

Saturday the 4th of October sees Celtic take on SPL new boys Hamilton Academical in what is surely being viewed as a “must win” encounter. Recent form in the league suggests that the Bhoys have plenty of goals in them - nevertheless defensive frailties have been exploited thus far this season and manager Gordon Strachan will be keen to see a steadier performance at the back, coupled with a clean sheet to add to the two gained in the first three games of the campaign. After mid-week European disappointment against Villarreal, extra emphasis will be placed on a win to continue domestic momentum - arch rivals Rangers having dropped only two points during the season as it stands.


After a fantastic start to their inaugural venture to the SPL which saw them take a maximum six points from their first two games – including an excellent performance against Dundee United where the 3-1 losing score line flattered the Arabs – the Accie’s recent form has been stuttering to say the very least. Victory in the Co-Operative insurance Cup against a Motherwell side that looked devoid of ideas has been sandwiched by two successive league losses, and manager Billy Reid will be keen to ensure some stability – albeit at the hardest away venue on the fixture calendar. Much will hinge on attacker Richard Offiong, whose performances at the start of the season looked nothing less than inspired; of late, however, he has struggled to hold the ball up in the manner that permits Hamilton’s blend of youth and skill in the midfield to shine.


Player to watch – James McCarthy. A 17 year old attacking midfielder, with one Under-21 Cap for the Republic of Ireland – earned through his Grandfather’s Donegal roots. Touted as being a major force in the future, and always seeming to create a plethora of time for himself on the ball. Has shaken off a knock on the shin from the previous fixture against Falkirk and is expected to be fit - Reid is quoted as saying: "It's the sort of place (Celtic Park) where he can really show off his talents. I don't think he will be fazed by 60,000 watching it." A star of the future.


For Celtic, mention has already been made of the plentiful supply of goals scored so far this season. Striker Georgios Samaras has been in scintillating form of late, despite missing a glorious first half chance against Villarreal, and with Jan Venegoor of Hesselink’s winning double against Aberdeen last Saturday combined with Scott Macdonald’s crucial cameo in the same game, Strachan has plenty of food for thought with regards to his combination up front. At the back, Gary Caldwell is expected to return from a one match domestic ban to partner Stephen McManus in front of Artur Boruc. Both centre backs impressed greatly with their performances midweek against a pacey attack - especially McManus, who had been on the receiving end of some criticism after some poor performances of late.


Much attention will be heeded to the role the much-maligned Aiden McGeady has to play – left on the bench once again against Aberdeen, but his appearance in the 61st minute proved crucial for Strachan’s men – setting up two vital goals in the process. An iota of intrigue will also rest upon whether he starts on the right-hand side of midfield; a position many see as being better for both him, and the team as a whole. Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, whose lethargic performance against the Yellow Submarines was noted by many, will be under pressure to perform to a much higher standard if selected from the start - meanwhile Marc Crosas, left on the bench for the European adventure, should return to the starting 11.


Player to watch – Scott Brown. On his day, capable of greatness, and who of late has looked far more the player he was destined to become when purchased for a hefty £4.4 million pounds; he will be looking to recover from a distinctly average league performance against Aberdeen to pull the strings in midfield. His partnership in the midfield engine room with Crosas - although still in its early stages - has looked far more promising.


So a significant game for both sides, but the opportunity to put pressure on a Rangers side playing the following day is not one to be missed, and a score line in the region of 3-0 would seem to be a distinct possibility given current form.