Peterhead vs Hamilton Academical Prediction at 17-01-2026

Team Analysis

Peterhead's Prospects

The Blue Toon has shown flashes of resilience in their recent outings, although inconsistency has been their Achilles' heel this season. Over the last five matches, they’ve managed to secure just 1 win, resulting in a win-loss record of 1-3-1. Notable games include a narrow 2-1 defeat to Falkirk, where their attacking play demonstrated promise but ultimately fell short against higher-tier opposition.

Key players for Peterhead include striker Jack Leitch, whose ability to find the back of the net could be integral in this match, and midfielder Scott Brown, whose playmaking capabilities can unlock Hamilton’s defense. However, their defense has appeared shaky, conceding 12 goals in their last five fixtures, raising concerns about their ability to cope with pressure.

Hamilton Academical’s Momentum

On the opposite side, Hamilton Academical has been on a commendable run, garnering a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and just 1 loss in their last five matches. Their recent form has included a convincing 3-0 triumph over Clyde, showcasing their attacking prowess. Key to their strategy is the combination of forward Marios Ogkmpoe and midfielder Andy Winter, both capable of making decisive impacts and scoring crucial goals.

While Hamilton has shown strength in attack, they've struggled defensively at times, conceding 8 goals in their last five games. Their match against Airdrie, where they conceded a late equalizer, highlighted the need for improvement in their backline. A strong performance from goalkeeper Ryan Fulton could be vital to anchor their defense against Peterhead’s attacking pushes.

Statistics & Head-to-Head Record

Historically, Hamilton Academical has had the upper hand in their encounters with Peterhead, leading the head-to-head record with 4 wins to Peterhead's 2 and 3 draws in their last nine matchups. Last season, Hamilton triumphed in both encounters, scoring a total of 5 goals while conceding only 1. This trend of dominance will weigh on Peterhead as they seek to overturn their fortunes.

Current season statistics indicate that Hamilton has scored 31 goals while allowing 26, resulting in a goal differential that speaks to their competitive nature. In contrast, Peterhead sits with considerably less firepower, having netted just 20 goals against 34 conceded, flagging a critical area of concern as they prepare for this fixture.

Contextual Factors

The match will be held at Balmoor Stadium, a venue that typically favors home teams especially due to its unique dimensions and atmospheric crowd. However, weather conditions on match day, projected to be overcast with light rain, may also play a role. Such conditions can affect the pace of the game and favor teams that excel in ball control and tactical discipline.

In terms of injuries, Peterhead will need to assess the fitness levels of defender Callum Tapping, who has struggled with a minor injury, potentially impacting their defensive capabilities. Conversely, Hamilton's injury list appears light, which could allow them to field their strongest starting XI.

Match Prediction

Given the current form and historical dominance, it is reasonable to predict a victory for Hamilton Academical. We forecast a final scoreline of 2-1 in favor of Hamilton, with both teams finding the net. Peterhead will likely push for an aggressive start, aiming to capitalize on home advantage, but Hamilton's experience and recent form should shine through as they exploit defensive gaps. Betting enthusiasts should consider Hamilton to win outright while keeping an eye on an over 2.5 goals market, given both teams' tendencies to score and concede goals.