Considering the way Inverness finished last season, you would be forgiven for thinking they would be in for a season of struggle this term. They managed only three wins form their last 13 games but they’ve started this season tremendously well. 23 points from their first 12 games see’s them sitting in fourth place, just a couple of points off top. Their home record has been the basis for that position as they have won four and drawn two of their six games, including wins over Celtic and Dundee United, who occupy third and first, respectively. The only other side who sit above them is Hamilton and the Highlanders know that if they can record another home win then they will go above their opponents.
I previewed Hamilton’s last away game a couple of weeks ago as they travelled to face Dundee. Having noted how strong they had started and their excellent run of form which seen them climb to the summit of the Scottish Premiership; it was inevitable that they would succumb and lose their first game since the opening day of the season. They looked destined to lose consecutive games when facing Partick but they managed to salvage a draw with the last kick of the ball to remain in second place coming into this weekend’s game.
Inverness have the best home defensive record in the Premiership and three of their four home wins have been achieved by a one goal margin. It suggests that John Hughes has found an effective style at home and I would expect a similar approach for the visit of Hamilton. They may not score as many goals as they have been renowned for in previous seasons under different managers, but few can argue with how successful they have been this season.
The biggest concern that Alex Neil will have going into this game is the fact that his side have conceded five goals in their last two league games. It’s somewhat surprising as they had went four straight games without conceding. Neil will be hoping it’s just a blip and they can go back to keeping clean sheets but it will be a worry, especially travelling to a team who are very strong at home.
Not many would have expected this match to feature two of the top four at this stage of the season but that’s exactly what will happen on Saturday. They have only lost five games between them and are where they are on merit. Hamilton have had an excellent start to the season but they have to bounce back after a couple of disappointing results. Inverness will be looking to start fast and put pressure on a defence which has looked a lot more vulnerable in the last couple of weeks. I think the home side have the stronger credentials here and the odds against should be snapped up.
Inverness 23/20 @ Skybet
