The relegation battle continues at Inverness this weekend when this seasons SPL fresher’s Hamilton call back to the Tulloch Stadium to continue the fight to avoid the drop into oblivion...well the first division at least.

The prospect of visiting trendy, up market places like Greenock, Airdrie and Dingwall should be sufficient to encourage any SPL strugglers to up their game and miss out on these little gems of Scottish culture. However, Inverness having stuttered their way off of the bottom of the table, are now in the thick of a five team scrap for survival.

Visitors Hamilton have also been pegged back and it is not inconceivable that we could jump a couple of places by the end of the weekend if results go our way, providing we can secure our first win of the season over a stubborn Hamilton side.

INVERNESS CT v HAMILTON

Tulloch Caledonian Stadium

Saturday 18th April, 3:00pm

The first game of the season saw Hamilton leave Inverness with a 0-1 victory courtesy of a fresh air swipe by the unfortunate Jamie Duff, which allowed Richard Offiong to make a bee line for the goals and slot home the winner.

The return fixture at New Douglas Park played out in a gale and hail storm saw Hamilton win by the same score line, with Simon Mensing scoring from the penalty spot. This was a rather dour affair with the weather causing havoc and only the reduced admission prices and hospitality in the pre match boozer softened the blow.

The renowned Highland hospitality has not been reciprocated though for this game, but a decent crowd is expected for what could prove to be a pivotal six pointer in the relegation stakes.

SEASON SO FAR

Hamilton started the season well with victories at home against Dundee United and at Inverness, whilst Caley Thistle undid the good work at Pittodrie by losing to Accies and St Mirren at home. Both teams suffered some indifferent form with Accies low point being the 7-1 trouncing by Rangers in December. Our low point was the humiliating first half score line at the same venue as Rangers hit five by tea-break.

Inverness meanwhile were warming to freefall mode since September, only winning three SPL games out of the next sixteen. It was now time for Mr Butcher to take over at the helm and try to stop the rot, as we were now adrift at the foot of the table. Hamilton at this point had been on a tremendous run since the drubbing at Ibrox which saw them win seven of their next nine games. This included a cup win in the quaint hamlet of Dingwall and also a run of five games where they never conceded a goal.

All good things come to an end though, and Hamilton are now struggling to buy a win this last month. But, the coming of Terry and Mo has seen Inverness claw back the deficit and overhaul Falkirk to give us a chance of SPL football next year.

So here we are, Inverness this weekend and another six pointer awaits us with five teams battling it out and the bottom six decided by Sunday. Yes it’s squeaky bum time, but it sure beats the hell out of shopping, and the bottom six games will all be meaningful ones this season.

TEAM NEWS

Inverness CT: Terry was none too pleased with his defence at Pittodrie and has promised to kick some ass before this game, so we will have to wait and see who survives the cull. Definitely out for ICT are Odhiambo and Byrne. Foran and Mihadjuks required some treatment earlier this week but both are in better shape now and should be ready for selection.

Hamilton: Rumour has it that Offiong will miss this one and Cerny and Neil are both struggling for Accies. David Elebert, Trent McClenahan, Brian Easton, Mark Corcoran are also added worries for Billy Reid, although he is hopeful one or two of these will be available.

ONES TO WATCH

Inverness CT: Lionel Djebi-Zadi. The man of mystery could prove to be influential in some capacity. It depends which side of the fan club you are on, but big Lionel has been described by some in many different ways. He is nothing short of entertaining. The home crowd doesn’t know what to expect from Lionel, and if it’s any help, I’m not sure he does either. Bombscare or bombastic, liability or ability, hideous or genius, or just an accident waiting to happen. He gets it all but Terry Butcher has shown faith in Lionel since he came here and his strength, speed and aerial presence could play a big factor in this one as we aim to keep a clean sheet, something we have not done often enough this season. He can also add a bit of weight to our attack with some rampaging runs down the flank and his crossing is more effective than his predecessor. Let’s hope he keeps us on the edge of our seats for all the right reasons.

Hamilton: Simon Mensing is built like a brick outhouse. He will be 27 this June and was born in Wolfenbuttel, Germany. He is a powerful player who scored the winner against us last time out from the spot. Good in the air and strong in the tackle. Simon joined Accies from Motherwell in January 2008 having previously played for Clyde and St Johnstone. He will be one to keep tabs on at set pieces and he is always willing to help the strikers around the box and is not shot shy. He has scored a handful of goals this season. His aggressive style has also been noticed by the referees, and he was sent off in a reserve match which extended his current suspension, but he should be back for this one. He would be most likely to take any penalty offered to Hamilton.

THEMANN4THEJOB's PREDICTION

The relegation battle could go right to the wire, but a win for either club will certainly ease the pressure a little. This may well be decided by a single strike again, but I am going for ICT to blow the cobwebs away, roll back the years, and win comfortably. I will also predict that caley100 will call McCarthy a ***** and the Immortal Howden Ender will be singing till the cows come home in his kilt.