Neil hoping to start strongly
Hamilton player-manager Alex Neil feels getting the first goal is the main thing that has been missing in their recent run - but he is confident they can continue their excellent home record against Dundee.
Accies have won once in seven games, a run which started when they went to Dens Park as Scottish Premiership leaders only to lose 2-0.
But they remain unbeaten at New Douglas Park since their opening loss against Inverness and Neil is happy with his players' reaction to the challenge of overcoming a downturn of form.
"I don't think we are hitting the heights that we were earlier in the season and we are not getting the first goal like we were," the midfielder said.
"That makes a huge difference because if you lose the first goal you have to chase the game and good teams at this level can pick you off, like we did at the start of the season.
"It's not for the lack of effort, the boys still put as much effort as they were at the start of the season. But I was well aware how good we were playing because that doesn't happen all the time.
"At the moment we are finding a wee sticky spell, however at home we have been doing really well and picking up results."
Neil knew his players would suffer a blip at some stage but they remain firmly in the top six and can move 10 points ahead of seventh-placed Dundee on Saturday.
"The players are still in good spirits," he said. "They realise how difficult it is to pick up wins at this level. Form will go up and down, it's effort and endeavour that will make you as a player."
Hamilton midfielder Jon Routledge is suspended following his red card against Aberdeen, but Dougie Imrie returns after being banned for the Pittodrie defeat. Forward Andy Ryan is still struggling with a groin injury.
Dundee manager Paul Hartley is confident his side have the mentality to return to winning ways when they head for Lanarkshire.
The Dark Blues are bidding to bounce back from their narrow late defeat at the hands of Inverness despite taking an early lead in the Dens Park encounter.
And Hartley has every faith in his players to erase the memory of last weekend when they face Alex Neil's side at New Douglas Park.
He said: "We have a really good group of players and the spirit is terrific within the camp, that's one thing for sure.
"They were disappointed as I was last week with the way we eventually lost the game.
"But this is a chance to make amends and we know we are in for a tough game on Saturday although we are definitely ready for it.
"Training has been good this week and there's a buzz about the players.
"That's what you look for going into any game and hopefully it can rub off when we take to the field on Saturday."
Despite beating Accies 2-0 at Dens Park recently, Hartley expects nothing but a challenging 90 minutes.
He said "I think Hamilton play good football. They deserve a lot of credit for how they have done so far this season.
"They have shown in the games I have watched them that they have some talented footballers.
"They have a good blend of youth and experience which is what any team looks for.
"On their day, they are a very good team to watch.
"So we will give them every respect.
"You never get an easy game against Hamilton. They will be well-drilled and hard to beat.
"But that is the challenge we face and we can go there with confidence given the way we have been playing of late overall.
"I can never fault these players for effort or commitment."
Dundee are without skipper Kevin Thomson (hamstring) and Greg Stewart (foot) but midfielder Paul McGowan and forward Craig Wighton could come back from injury.
Source: PA
