However, dire as Hamilton are, there is no guarantee we will come out on top. We have struggled to show our superiority over them on a regular basis since their promotion and they defeated us at Fir Park in November. Since then things have gone poorly for both clubs and Hamilton have lost six games in a row, scoring just once in this time. It is clear to see where their problems lie but we too know we have plenty of issues to resolve.
Since thrashing St Johnstone 4-0 we have played five games and managed to add just one point to our tally. We have played both the Old Firm and in-form Hearts in this time but the nature of our performances means anyone who has seen us recently will know that there is little mitigation which can be offered in our defence.
Motherwell kick off in Hamilton
Stuart McCall was in the stand at Celtic on Wednesday and will have seen all too clearly just what a challenge he has in front of him. Defensively we were a lot better than on Sunday against Rangers but had Celtic needed to score more they would probably have been able. Going forward we scarcely managed a shot on target worthy of the name over the 90 minutes although presumably we will find things a lot easier against Hamilton.
McCall will have had a couple of days to work with the team but it is obviously harsh to judge him heavily on what he can produce in such a short time. Nonetheless, fans expect quick progress and an eleven that can match Hamilton for organisation and motivation should not be beyond us. It is daring to say but we have better players than them and if we can return to something approaching our best, a 1-0 win may be an immediate reward.
Remember our last visit to New Douglas Park?