Saints will be still be licking their wounds from Saturday’s crushing defeat at Pittodrie but will take heart in the fact their upcoming opponents have suffered a dramatic fall from grace following their fantastic start to the season.

Accies have failed to win in any of their matches since player-manager Alex Neil, and his assistant Frankie McAvoy, departed for the bright lights of the English Championship to take the reins at Norwich City.

Their winning start at the Canaries might have drawn attention to the duo south of the border but Accies fans have voiced their worry about the side’s rapid retreat into a losing run.

With Saints deep in the relegation mire, Accies visit will certainly be one that Gary Teale has marked as an opportunity to pick up a crucial three points.

Canning’s men last won on New Year’s day when they overcame Lanarkshire rivals Motherwell to bag all three points.

There is no doubt that Accies possess an abundance of talent in their ranks, and Saints fans know all about the trickery of winger Dougie Imrie from his time in the black and white stripes.

Another player Saints will have to keep an eye on is Ali Crawford who has already scored against the Buddies this season. And finally the work and endeavour of Darian MacKinnon in the centre of the park is nothing to be frowned upon. The battle between the former Clydebank man and Jim Goodwin is sure to be interesting if the two go head-to-head in the middle of the park.

Points are at a premium at this time of the season, and with both sides desperately needing to pick up points and fast, Saturday’s affair is sure to be a cracker.