Where and when is Spartans vs Hamilton Academical played?

Spartans vs Hamilton Academical is played on September 8, 2026 at 06:45 PM (UTC) at Ainslie Park Stadium, in the Challenge Cup.

Will there be over 2.5 goals?

The Footlab model gives a 71% probability of at least three goals in this match.

How reliable is this prediction?

The Footlab model is measured at 53.9% correct 1X2 outcomes on a temporal hold-out, against 33.3% for random guessing. The breakdown by competition and Elo gap is published on the accuracy page.

Match

Spartans vs Hamilton Academical: prediction and stats

Challenge CupGroup Stage - 3Kick-off on September 8, 2026 at 06:45 PM (UTC)Ainslie Park Stadium, Edinburgh

Spartans

Hamilton Academical

The Footlab model makes Spartans the favourite at 39%, against 23% for a draw and 38% for Hamilton Academical. The most likely score is 1-1.

This model is measured at 53.9% 1X2 accuracy on a temporal hold-out, against 33.3% for random guessing. See the measured accuracy

Probabilities recomputed on Aug 24, 2026 — the full match card is recomputed continuously until kick-off.

Who will win Spartans vs Hamilton Academical?

Hamilton Academical starts as the favourite with a 114-point Elo edge (1,722 vs 1,608).

Spartans win39 %

Draw23 %

Hamilton Academical win38 %

What is the recent form of both teams?

Over their last 15 matches in all competitions, Spartans have 3 wins, 6 draws and 6 defeats; Hamilton Academical have 9, 3 and 3.

The competition is shown for every match: in pre-season, several of these games are friendlies.

Spartans
Date	Opponent	Score	Competition
Aug 22, 2026	Elgin City(home)	3-3	League Two
Aug 15, 2026	Stranraer(away)	0-1	League Two
Aug 11, 2026	East Fife(away)	2-2	Challenge Cup
Aug 8, 2026	Edinburgh City(home)	2-2	League Two
Aug 1, 2026	Annan Athletic(away)	4-2	League Two

Hamilton Academical
Date	Opponent	Score	Competition
Aug 22, 2026	East Fife(away)	0-0	League One
Aug 15, 2026	Airdrie United(home)	4-0	League One
Aug 12, 2026	Celtic II(home)	1-3	Challenge Cup
Aug 8, 2026	Alloa Athletic(home)	1-0	League One
Aug 1, 2026	Montrose(away)	5-0	League One

How many goals should we expect?

Spartans score 1.5 and concede 1.8 goals per match over their last 15; Hamilton Academical score 2.2 and concede 0.9. The model gives a 71% probability of over 2.5 goals and 71% for both teams to score.

Club	Goals scored / match	Goals conceded / match	Clean sheets	Both teams scored	Over 2.5 goals
Spartans	1.5	1.8	2	10/15	9/15
Hamilton Academical	2.2	0.9	7	7/15	9/15

Over the last 15 matches in all competitions.

Verdict, probable XI and verified absences

The full match card recomputes this prediction continuously until kick-off: multi-market verdict, player-by-player probable XI and web-verified absences.

Open the full match card in the app

No odds, no affiliation: the method is published and the accuracy is measured.

How does Footlab compute this prediction?

The model combines both teams' Elo ratings (anchored by competition pool), their recent form weighted by opponent strength, home advantage and a Poisson matrix for scorelines. Its accuracy is measured continuously on the predictions actually published. Methodology and measured accuracy

Frequently asked questions

Who is the favourite for Spartans vs Hamilton Academical?: The Footlab model makes Spartans the favourite at 39%, against 23% for a draw and 38% for Hamilton Academical.
Where and when is Spartans vs Hamilton Academical played?: Spartans vs Hamilton Academical is played on September 8, 2026 at 06:45 PM (UTC) at Ainslie Park Stadium, in the Challenge Cup.
Will there be over 2.5 goals?: The Footlab model gives a 71% probability of at least three goals in this match.
How reliable is this prediction?: The Footlab model is measured at 53.9% correct 1X2 outcomes on a temporal hold-out, against 33.3% for random guessing. The breakdown by competition and Elo gap is published on the accuracy page.