Hearts v Hamilton: Match preview and probable line-ups

Cole Stockton (centre) is likely to lead the line for Hearts again against Hamilton. Picture: SNS Group

The Jambos will almost certainly have to face Martin Canning’s side without Kyle Lafferty, the striker having struggled with a virus this week.

Lafferty’s absence should mean Cole Stockton will get the nod to lead the line for Craig Levein’s men, with Esmael Goncalves starting on the left of a midfield four, and Cowie playing the holding role.

John Souttar should return in defence but Aaron Hughes has overcome a niggle but may be rested as a precaution.

Levein is still without long-term absentees Malaury Martin (groin), Ashley Smith-Brown (groin/pelvis) and Rory Currie, who is out for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury while on Under-20 duty.

Ali Crawford is likely to return for Accies next week according to Canning, but Alex Gogic is available again after sitting out last week’s 1-1 draw with Hibs following his red card against Rangers. He could be brought back into the starting line-up.

David Templeton will line up against his former side on his first trip to Tynecastle since joining Accies.

Canning is still without Michael Devlin, who is sidelined with knee injury but apart from that has a full squad to choose from.

Last five meetings: Hamilton 1-2 Hearts; Hearts 4-0 Hamilton; Hamilton 3-3 Hearts; Hearts 3-1 Hamilton; Hamilton 0-0 Hearts.

Likely Hearts team (4-1-4-1): McLaughlin; Brandon, Hughes, Berra, M Smith; Cowie; Milinkovic, Djoum, Walker, Goncalves; Stockton. Subs from: Hamilton, Noring, Nowak, Baur, Grzelak, Buaben, Beith, Randall, Henderson, Callachan, Moore, Keena.

Likely Hamilton team: (3-5-1-1): Woods; Sarris, Tomas, McMann; Skondras, Docherty, MacKinnon, Lyon, Imrie; Templeton; Rojano. Subs from: Jamieson, Fulton, Gogic, Want, Gillespie, Donati, Redmond, Bingham, Cunningham, Biabi.

Referee: Bobby Madden

Kick-off: 3pm

Odds: Hearts 41/50 Draw 11/4 Hamilton 19/5 (Odds correct at the time of writing)

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