Jaded United may lack the energy to deny Hamilton

Ladbrokes Premiership playoff final second leg
BT Sport 1, 3pm

Hamilton Accies can complete the job against a tiring Dundee United side and maintain their Ladbrokes Premiership status.

The second leg of the playoff final is delicately poised after a goalless draw at Tannadice where Accies spurned the better chances.

And there was plenty of evidence that this could be a game too far for United.

This will be their sixth match outside the usual league season after two games with Morton, two with Falkirk and the first leg.

On Thursday they lacked the zip and pace of their second-leg win over Falkirk.

Historically, teams who have to go through this torturous route find it extremely tough. Last season, Falkirk collapsed in the second leg of the final at Kilmarnock. The season before, Rangers had nothing left to give as Motherwell thrashed them 6-1 on aggregate.

Hamilton looked dangerous with Rakish Bingham and David Templeton buzzing around and defender Alexander Gogic organised the back three superbly.

United will be able to call upon striker Simon Murray, who was sent off for two dives, after an appeal. And the fact they’ve told midfielder Wato Kuate he will never play for the club again after he tried to fight two teammates and sarcastically applauded his own fans while getting subbed is a bonus.

But they lacked energy and drive in front of their home fans and Hamilton are past masters at digging out big results on their New Douglas Park surface.

Recommendation
Hamilton
2pts 13-10 general

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Hamilton are without the suspended Darian MacKinnon. Mikey Devlin is out with a knee injury.

Dundee United have told midfielder Wato Kuate he won't play for the club again. Simon Murray is available despite his red card.

Key stat
United haven't beaten Hamilton in the last five meetings between the sides.