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    Partick -V- Inverness CT - Preview

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    part_ictBattle of the Jags

    After the euphoria of Hampden Park, it’s off to Firhill for thrills today as the two Thistles battle it out for a place in the semi-final of the Alba Challenge Cup.

    Four games being played to a finish with a third division team sure to feature in the semi’s as Annan Athletic take on the once mighty Elgin City. Other likely semi finalists will be Dundee who should see off Stirling Albion, and either Queen of the South or last Saturdays emphatic winners at the Tulloch Stadium, Ross County. But let’s concentrate on the game at Firhill as the rivalries on and off the park are rekindled. Partick fans still smarting from ICT challenging the hierarchy and gaining SPL status despite the stadium rules being against us at the time, and Inverness fans still miffed at being dumped out of the Scottish cup by Partick on penalties after they secured a late draw in Inverness to secure a replay.

    Inverness have been managerless this week as big Terry had other commitments. I am sure he will be buoyed by Scotlands second half performance yesterday. The first half was all too familiar as the away team controlled the game………I see a pattern forming here.

    Team news

    Caley Jags

    Maurice Malpas was in charge this week and he has plenty to ponder over after the derby thrashing from local rivals County. In a surprise transfer day plunder, ICT have re-signed former captain Stuart Golabek and if his fitness is up to scratch, he could be slotted straight in at left back. Or does Malpas go with big Lionel who had a mare last week. His confidence took a battering as he was jeered by a section of the home fans and he cut a lonely figure as he was substituted in the second half. Young Shinnie will also be a contender for the wing back area after some promising displays in previous cup and pre-season games. Certainly out will be Richard Hastings who has departed for Hamilton after being frozen out by the new management team. Ross Tokely will make a much needed return to the defence as he is now free of suspension for all games. That could possibly release Proctor to play further forward. Last week the defence struggled to cope with the aggressive style of County and Rossco should help to redress the balance at the back. The midfield disappeared as well and changes could be on the cards. Cox and Hayes should be able to retain their starting berths, but Stratford, Eagle and Sanchez must turn up on the day or Russell Duncan and Roy McBain will be eager to stake a claim for the midfield. Young Nick Ross is also threatening to become a regular with pacey cameo roles so far. Up front Richie Foran needs to get his shooting boots on and Adam Rooney is keen to get off the mark as well. Eric is still injured as is Imrie, but Bannerman has featured in the NoS cup and may be ready to play a part.

    The Harry Wraggs

    Partick will be without keeper Jonny Tuffey who is on international duty with Northern Ireland. Craig Hinchcliffe will be between the sticks for this game. Stephen Mckeown will also miss this one due to an achillies problem and will be rested for a couple of weeks. Top scorer with five goals, Liam Buchanan will be fit and he and Mark Corcoran both scored braces last week as Partick thrashed ten man Morton 5-0. Man of many clubs Jim Hamilton will also be a threat in the air and will need to be closely policed by Grant Munro. Ian McCall will have no other team problems apart from Tuffey and McKeown and last weeks line up looked like this:-

    Partick: Tuffey, Maxwell, Robertson, Archibald, Paton, Cairney (McKeown 87), Rowson, Corcoran (Donnelly 75), Boyle, Buchanan, Erskine. Subs Not Used: Hinchcliffe, Corrigan, Hamilton.

    Tm4tj Prediction

    After last weeks debacle, it would be difficult to believe that anything other than a Partick victory will be possible. It will take a lot of soul searching from the ICT players to instill some belief into themselves after the demolition derby disaster. Partick showed against Morton that scoring goals is not a problem for them, while Inverness have still to settle in the striking department. Buchanan, once a target for Inverness will be keen to get one over us and this could be the difference between the sides. The midfield will be a key area, and if we are prepared to get dirty, then this will be a close contest, if we play like we did against County, then the Alba cup will be over for us. I therefore predict a long journey home with the Maryhill Magyars celebrating reaching the semi finals for the second time.

    Win or lose, we will surely hear this today……….0-2-02B-02BA-JAGGIE




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