Hamilton will welcome back key men Mark McLaughlin and Simon Mensing for Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Dundee United.

Defender McLaughlin (flu) and midfielder Mensing (hamstring) were both sorely missed in the 2-0 defeat against St Johnstone two weeks ago.

Captain Alex Neil (hip) could be back in the frame before the end of the month, while Derek Lyle (knee) and James Gibson (knee) are out for the season.

Dundee United are without three key midfielders for Saturday's clash.

Scott Robertson is sidelined with a groin problem, while Prince Buaben and Danny Swanson are unavailable due to suspension, meaning Jennison Myrie-Williams, Craig Conway and David Robertson all vying for starting places.

Captain Lee Wilkie is doubtful with an ankle problem, left-back Paul Dixon is also ruled out with a knee injury, while Francisco Sandaza, Jon Daly and Kevin Smith are all out long term.

Teams:

Dundee United (from): Weaver, Dods, Webster, Kenneth, Dillon, Kovacevic, McCord, Myrie-Williams, Gomis, Conway, D Robertson, Cadamarteri, Goodwillie, Casalinuovo, Banks, Shala, Fotheringham, Cameron.

Hamilton (from): Cerny, Hastings, McClenahan, Canning, McLaughlin, Mason, Elebert, Wesolowski, Mensing, McArthur, Antoine-Curier, M Paixao, Louhoungou, Murdoch, Evans, Wilkie, Knight, Beuzelin, Andrews.