The alternative Glasgow Derby – Queen’s Park v Partick Thistle Preview
Two fierce Glasgow-based rivals will lock horns at the national stadium tonight.
No, it’s not an Old Firm cup final… it’s much bigger than that.
Queen’s Park will welcome Partick Thistle to Hampden for cinch Championship league action following their recent move there from the newly-constructed Lesser Hampden.
While this rivalry might not be quite as heated as Rangers and Celtic, it is certainly a matchup that provides drama and entertainment.
The teams met six times last season, with an aggregate score of 14-12 to Thistle, including three 4-0 games, a 4-3, and a 3-2.
Both managers are in their first full season as senior managers in Scotland, with QP’s Robin Veldman arriving from Anderlecht in the summer, and Thistle’s goalscoring legend Kris Doolan becoming permanent manager after a four month spell as interim which finished with a heartbreaking play-off final collapse.
As things stand this season, the Jags sit in third place with fourteen points, but with one point separating them from fourth as opposed to the seven point deficit from the table-toppers.
Queen’s Park have had much less success than expected so far however.
They sit in eighth place with no wins from their last six games, which is especially surprising given they won their first three games of the league season.
Six points separate them from the relegation zone, however both Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Greenock Morton – who sit below them – have two games in hand.
The Championship’s top scorer at the moment belongs to Thistle, as veteran striker Brian Graham has racked up five goals.
Despite their struggle with a youthful squad that is much changed from last season, Queen’s Park striker Ruari Paton has scored four league goals – nine in total in all competitions.
In terms of team news, the only player Queen’s Park are likely to be without is Grant Savoury, who is expected to be out for a further three months with a cruciate ligament tear he suffered in May after being a standout player.
For Partick Thistle, they will have to make do without regular starting centre back and vice-captain Aaron Muirhead, who was sent off for a second yellow card offence in last weekend’s game against Dundee United.
They may also still be without right back Jack McMillan who is nursing a medium-term Achilles injury, and versatile defender Nathan McGinley who missed out with an injury last weekend, meaning their defensive options could be barebones.
While it likely won’t be all fun and games for those on the pitch, the home side have announced that partners Sodexo are offering rewards for fans in fancy dress with Halloween just around the corner.
One such prize advertised is a ticket for a free tour of The Scottish Football Museum.
Kick-off is at 7:45pm, and despite being on a Friday night, will NOT be shown live on TV.
