It may be early in the season, but Partick Thistle vs Stenhousemuir has all the makings of a six-pointer at the top of the championship table.
Both sides come into this game occupying the top two spots in the league, although second-placed Partick Thistle have a game in hand over their table-topping visitors.
The two teams have also only lost once so far in their first 10 and 11 league games. Partick Thistle’s sole loss came against Saturday’s opponent in the reverse fixture back in September, whilst Stenhousemuir lost away up in Inverness two weeks ago.
Let’s take a closer look at the two teams.
Partick Thistle
Coach Mark Wilson has built a well-balanced Partick Thistle side who look capable of finally ending their long wait to return to the Scottish Premiership.
Unbeaten in their last six, Thistle have a mix of players with game-changing quality and the steel that comes from Championship experience. This balance is reflected in the fact that Thistle have conceded the least amount of goals in the league so far as things stand.
The surprise return of Ben Stanway provided a huge boost to their attacking quality, while experienced heads such as Tony Watt, Daniel O’Reilly and Robbie Crawford have the ability to manage games effectively.
Despite their strong start, no Thistle player has managed to score more than two goals in the first 11 games of the season. Thistle fans will be hoping that a forward player can find the net more consistently as the season goes on.
Player to Watch: Tony Watt
Stenhousemuir
Newly-promoted Stenhousemuir have been the surprise package of the league season so far. Before being promoted via the playoffs, then-manager Gary Naysmith agreed a deal to leave for current league rivals Ayr United. Marvin Bartley took charge and has done a tremendous job so far.
The part-time team are currently top of the Championship and are punching well above their weight. They have won four league games by a scoreline of 1-0 so far this campaign, showing that they are solid and tough to break down. Notably, the Warriors also managed to beat Premiership side Motherwell by the same scoreline in the League Cup Round of 16.
Dundee United youth product Lewis O’Donnell has contributed towards the most goals so far for Stenhousemuir, although he has found himself out of the starting XI as of late. Scottish football stalwarts Andrew Shinnie and Dale Carrick are available for Stenny up front, with fellow stalwart Danny Jameison between the sticks.
New signing Miller Thomson may make his first appearance since signing on loan from Dundee United.
SNN Sports will be at Firhill Stadium this coming Saturday for what promises to be an exciting game against two teams high on confidence. We will bring you the latest updates and fan opinions on all SNN Sport social media platforms.
Player to Watch: Sam Young
Stadium: Firhill
Kick-off: Saturday 24th October @ 3pm
Referee: Calum Scott
Finlay, Score Prediction: Partick Thistle 2 – 1 Stenhousemuir
Rhys, Score Prediction: Partick Thistle 1 – 1 Stenhousemuir
