Clash of the Thistles

Club football is back on the agenda as Caley Thistle welcome Partick Thistle to TCS this weekend in what will be the first ever meeting between the two sides in the top flight. Both teams recorded disappointing results going into the International break and will be looking to bounce back in front of the TV cameras this Sunday lunchtime. Many of us here will be looking for a major reaction to the hiding dished out at McDiarmid Park. While our record there doesn't make good reading anyway it was a damning display and will be a big test of the boys mental strength that will hopefully be helped by the backing of a home crowd. Partick meanwhile will be looking to add some goals to their game. Despite sitting in a healthy 8th place in the table they haven't won since the end of August and have only managed three goals in their last five games. 

While their recent form hasn't been so impressive there is no question that the 1st Division Champs have shown that they are a capable side since their return to Premier League football. Most this far North will remember their 3-1 victory away to County earlier in the campaign, a scoreline that could have been so much more were it not for a valiant display from Mark Brown. Some other hard fought points against teams from above and a win at St Mirren Park have seen them build a decent foundation for the rest of the season and with another ambitious young manger plying his trade in Alan Archibald the future looks promising for the SPFL's newest side. 

In terms of players to watch for in the opposition ranks, Archibald has put his resources to good use and has some good shuffling options. Kallum Higginbotham and Stephen Lawless will provide a threat down the flanks while Kris Doolan has chipped in with some important goals since the season kicked off. The likes of Ross Forbes and Sean Welsh are also players with great potential who have struggled so far to make an impression in the top flight with their previous clubs, and come into this season with a major point to prove. Like ourselves they also have the luxury of having two quality keepers vying for the number 1 jersey. Scott Fox brings a great shot stopping reputation from the lower leagues while Paul Gallacher is no stranger to the top flight and has put in some impressive performances when called upon so far.

Options are something that Terry Butcher will need to call upon this week with the news that James Vincent will be out of action until the new year with a fractured tibia. Its a bitter blow for the man from Glossop who hadn't just put in some impressive displays but had also endeared himself to the supporters with his high work rate and his box to box approach to the game. No question that he will be missed at both ends of the pitch. His absence gives Big Terry a selection dilemma however with Ben Greenhalgh, Danny Williams, Marley Watkins and young Liam Polworth all in contention for that remaining place in the side. Greenhalgh himself was impressive in the 3-0 win at home to Hibs. His pace and trickery was clear to see and he also had a hand in Richie Foran's goal in the same game. Liam Polworth was given a chance to impress in the away game to St Johnstone with his first full start, but in many ways was thrown at the deep end given the way things went. He is rated highly by Terry though and it would be no surprise to see him back in the starting eleven. Personally I would go with Greenhalgh. He left a real impression in the Hibs game and with it being at home we should be looking to win this with the free flowing football we have shown at home so far this season. Greenhalgh matches that style. 

Historically this is a closely fought encounter between both sides. It has been three years since they last met, during the season that Caley Thistle proved that bouncebackability was achievable. Partick were actually the last team to beat ICT before they went on the unbeaten streak of 21 games. A run that led to 1st Division glory. The defeat saw Partick come out on top with a 2-1 score. The game itself was barely visible due to frozen fog but it wasn't enough to distract Steve Lovell (a constant thorn in ICT's side) from scoring a late winner. Not many would have predicted what followed that night but I doubt anyone would have traded it for anything else. Partick did fall foul during our unbeaten streak with Caley Thistle recording 2-1 and 1-0 wins at home and away. Both games in which a keeper called Jonny Tuffey put in some impressive displays for Partick before earning himself a move to the top flight with some Highland team. 

I'm predicting that this weekend won't be too different from recent encounters. Partick will probably look to soak up the pressure but there is no question they have players that can hurt us if they get the chance and with live coverage being provided for the game, players from both sides will no doubt have that added incentive to impress. Both teams also come into this fixture with points to prove. Partick, that they can score and ICT showing that the hiding received in Perth has not traumatised the boys. In all honesty though I'm just happy to be heading back to TCS for a game. National breaks are always a bit of a bore unless your heading to Hampden and you often find yourself anxious for club football to return asap. Well here it be so grab an early lunch (with pint), look pretty for the cameras and head to TCS this Sunday. 

AJS's prediction - As said I think it will be closely fought but with the home advantage I'm hoping to see us come away with the points. For me I see a good early start followed by a game of dogged defending. I'm going to go for a 2-0 home win, but the Harry Wraggs usually make life difficult for us and they have already shown that they can play a bit, à la County game.