- Match status: Partick and Dunfermline played out a nervy 1-1 draw in the 1st leg to keep this series finely poised ahead of the 2nd.
- Recent form: The Pars have lost only two of their last 16 Championship matches, an excellent record going into the play-offs.
- Home form: Partick Thistle have not lost at home in the league in 2025-26, winning 12 and tying 6 of their 18 home games, conceding only 12 goals.
Championship play-off semi-final: all to play for
Partick Thistle and Dunfermline meet again at Firhill on Friday to decide which side goes through to the 2026 Premiership relegation-promotion play-off final in what is likely to be a tense and tight game.
A goal apiece in the 1st matchup left everything to play for in this all-important 2nd matchup and while Partick Thistle are the favorites at 1.85, there is plenty of value in the 4.18 price of the visitors.
Dunfermline have lost only twice in their last 16 league games, a record of LWDWDD that includes the win that was just enough over Queens Park, and the draw they earned at Arbroath last time out.
Lennon’s leadership has Pars on a roll
Tactical system
Neil Lennon’s side have performed incredibly well, both reaching the play-offs and the Scottish Cup Final, with a compact and counter-attacking 4-2-3-1 system that thrives on direct transitions, aggressive set-piece play and a high-tempo pressing game that breaks up the opposition’s build-up play.
Aston Oxborough is a reliable shot-stopper who anchors the team defensively, allowing Lennon to push his full-backs forward when the ball is in the opposition half and supporting the overall approach of the system.
Key players
Chris Kane is the experienced focal point up front, while Callum Morrison is the danger man on the wing, having scored in the first leg.
The engine room is led by Charlie Gilmour, whose calmness on the ball provides the base to build from and allows the Pars to transition into their pressing game when required, while Matty Todd adds to the balance of the team.
- Chris Kane is the experienced focal point up front, while Callum Morrison is the danger man on the wing, having scored in the first leg.
- The engine room is led by Charlie Gilmour, whose calmness on the ball provides the base to build from and allows the Pars to transition into their pressing game when required, while Matty Todd adds to the balance of the team.
- Aston Oxborough is a reliable shot-stopper who anchors the team defensively, allowing Lennon to push his full-backs forward when the ball is in the opposition half and supporting the overall approach of the system.
Wilson’s Thistle have been tenacious in the Championship
Mark Wilson’s men finished as runners-up with 66 points and a +17 goal difference to the visitors’ 51 points and +11 goal difference in 2025-26, but his team have shown a terrific ability to grind out games when needed this season.
Wilson’s tactical discipline and emphasis on possession control have made Thistle a tough nut to crack, particularly at Firhill, where they have won 12 and tied six of their 18 Championship games, conceding only 12 goals at home all season.
Josh Clarke has been a rock at the heart of a defense that has been very effective in keeping games close, while Ben Stanway controls the tempo of the game from midfield and Logan Chalmers provides the pace to take the next ball and a secondary goal threat from the wide areas.
Alex Samuel is the main outlet for attacks, providing a physical presence up front as Thistle’s top scorer with 8-9 league goals this term. Aidan Fitzpatrick is the creative force of the side with double-digit assists this season, driving attacks and delivering balls into the box.
Lennon returns to Firhill to face his old team
Aidan Fitzpatrick has the ability to unlock defenses and his distribution could be crucial if Partick are to claim the lead in this tie. Mark Wilson’s side are unbeaten in nine competitive matches (DWDDDD), and while they are rightful favourites, the 1.85 on offer is not enough for a game of this magnitude.
The head-to-head record between these clubs is close at 128 all-competition meetings, with Dunfermline holding a 54-41 overall edge, but Thistle dominant at 27-22 at the home ground.
The last four meetings have all been very tight with two draws and two narrow wins to Thistle, the latest coming in a 2-0 Championship result back in April. With Dunfermline in fine form, we believe that a small wager on the away side is worth taking, although Thistle’s home ground dominance should see them edge a cagey matchup.
Both teams to score - No is our main wager at 1.87, with the weather set to be mostly dry and sunny at Firhill on Friday, which could be ideal for a tense promotion showdown.
