Celtic and the other form team in the league

Hamilton Accies had a remarkable season in the sun under Billy Reid when James McCarthy, James McArthur and Alex Neil took them into the top flight a few years back, but while they no longer have a midfield packed with that kind of talent, this season’s incarnation are delivering above expectations.

They’ve lost only once in 10 outings (all in the league), a run which goes back to the middle of September. They’ve taken points from six of the top seven teams, only Celtic, whom they’ve yet to face, haven’t suffered at their hands. This is a hard team to beat.

Brendan Rodgers will look at this game as an opportunity to rest some limbs. Scott Brown had a busy autumn for club and country; he looks fresh, but that’s the way to keep him. I’d be tempted to give Nir Bitton a start in his place.

Mikael Lustig and Craig Gordon are others who may benefit from a rest. Like Jozo Simunovic is now both were considered too fragile to play multiple games in a week in recent times. We’ll need them, and Scott, before the month is out.