Match preview: Hamilton v Saints
First Team

Match preview: Hamilton v Saints

31st March 2017

Friday 31 March 2017

Friday 31st March

St. Johnstone return to league action tomorrow afternoon when they face Hamilton at New Douglas Park. The match comes two weeks on from Saints' last league match, a 2-1 victory away from home against Motherwell. Liam Craig scored a double that day to push Saints up to 4th in the table, two points ahead of Hearts in 5th place. Steven MacLean is out of the match against Hamilton, but will be fit to face Hearts on Wednesday. Steven Anderson and David Wotherspoon are expected to return after recent injuries.

Hosts Hamilton are on a 3 game losing streak, and were beaten 4-0 by Rangers in their last fixture before the international break. They sit bottom of the table, though could overtake Inverness in 11th with three points on Saturday. St. Johnstone and Hamilton last met in January at McDiarmid Park, when Saints were 3-0 victors. Previous to that, the two sides had drawn 1-1 at New Douglas Park in September.

St. Johnstone manager Tommy Wright knows Hamilton will be desperate for all 3 points come Saturday, but knows the game is equally important for Saints in their bid for a 4th placed finish:

"Hamilton may be bottom of the table but they'll be eager to get the win come Saturday," he said.

"They've drawn quite a few games and as a result dropped points which will frustrate them."

"It'll be a difficult game against them, but we've been consistent away from home this season. It gives us a chance to go 5 points ahead of Hearts before their match on Sunday, so all in all it's a massive game for both sides."

Match preview by Joshua Barrie

MATCH ADMISSION

TRAVEL ADVICE:

Supporters will probably be aware of the ongoing road works on the M8/M74/M73. More specifically there will be a full weekend closure of the southbound carriageway of Bellshill Road, Bothwell between Raith roundabout and the ‘T’ junction with the A725 northbound East Kilbride Expressway. In addition the outside lanes of Bellshill Road, Bothwell (B7071) north and southbound carriageways between Hamilton Road and Raith roundabout will also be closed on the following dates:

· 22:00 Friday 31 March to 06:00 Monday 3 April 2017

As a result there will be no access from Raith roundabout to Bothwell & Hamilton. A signed diversion will be in place via A725 southbound on-slip from Raith roundabout, A725 southbound to Main Street, High Blantyre (B7012), A725 northbound and exit East Kilbride expressway at off-slip for Bothwell & Hamilton.

This traffic management is for kerbing, lighting, barrier and ground works. Supporters are asked to take these diversions into account when planning their journey to Hamilton this Saturday.

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