On Saturday afternoon, high-flying Falkirk will travel to The Energy Check Stadium to face mid-table Partick Thistle in a Scottish Championship clash. Falkirk, currently at the top of the league, will aim to maintain their impressive start to the season against a Partick side that has struggled for consistency.
Match Preview
Falkirk: After achieving promotion back to the Scottish Championship last season, Falkirk has made a strong statement in their return, sitting at the top of the table with 19 points from eight games, which includes six wins, one draw, and just one loss. Under the management of John McGlynn, who has been pivotal in their success, the team went unbeaten in League One, finishing with 90 points and 16 points clear of second-placed Hamilton Academical.
However, the visitors have experienced a slight dip in form lately, winning one, drawing one, and losing one of their last three league matches after a strong start. McGlynn will be eager to steer his team back to their early-season winning ways, and this match presents an opportunity to do just that.
Partick Thistle: In contrast, Partick Thistle is having a mixed season, sitting in sixth place with nine points from two wins, three draws, and three losses. With only six goals scored in eight matches, they have struggled offensively, which has contributed to their disappointing position, leaving them five points adrift of the playoff spots. Manager Kris Doolan will be looking for his team to find their scoring touch and aim for a confidence-boosting victory against a strong Falkirk side.
Historically, Partick has struggled against Falkirk, managing only one win in their last nine encounters, which adds pressure to their hopes of a positive result.
Team News
Partick Thistle: The hosts are likely to be without forward Terry Ablade due to injury, potentially leading to Ricco Diack partnering with Brian Graham in attack. Following a strong performance in their last match against Livingston, Doolan may opt to keep the same lineup.
Falkirk: Despite a slight dip in form, McGlynn is expected to remain loyal to the starting XI that has performed well throughout the season. However, striker Ross MacIver is a doubt after being forced off with an injury in their Scottish League Cup quarter-final loss to Celtic, which could see Gary Oliver continue in the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Partick Thistle (4-2-3-1):
- Roberts; Megwa, Ashcroft, O’Reilly, Milne; Turner, Crawford; McBeth, Fitzpatrick; Graham, Diack
Falkirk (4-2-3-1):
- Hogarth; Adams, Graham, Henderson, McCann; Spencer, Tait; Miller, Nesbitt, Ross; Oliver
Prediction
Given Falkirk’s strong start to the 2024-25 season and Partick Thistle’s struggles in front of goal, the visitors are expected to secure a comfortable victory in this matchup.
Predicted Score: Partick Thistle 0-2 Falkirk.
