Airdrie preview

So tomorrow we welcome Airdrie to Firhill. A chance for Thistle to exact revenge for the 1-0 reverse which coupled with the St. Johnstone victory over Morton which cost us our chance of taking the league title to the final day.

Thistle's squad have been struck down with a bug that originated in the Glasgow Warriors camp, with Paul Cairney having to come off early because he was so unwell, the wee man had to be sick at the side of the pitch. But the visitors have also had a flu bug rampant in their squad with eight first teamers missing from their ranks at their 1-0 defeat to Morton last weekend.

There has also been positive news on the Jags front with the official website informing us that contract extensions are to be signed. It didn't reveal the players but with speculation surrounding Jonny Tuffey and Liam Buchanan it is hoped they will be among the players re-signing, although I am not getting my hopes up.

Moving on to the game, we welcome back to Firhill two fan favourites albeit in the red and white of Airdrie. Simon Storey, the versatile Aussie was a staple of the Thistle back line last season playing best as a sweeper but featured as a central midfielder in the last few weeks of the season due to Gary Harkins picking up a late suspension. Simon always was a favourite of mine at Firhill and it will be difficult to see a player held in such high regard by the Thistle fans lining up for our rivals tomorrow. Simon scored once in nearly 100 Thistle appearances.

The second player is Paul Keegan. Paul was signed by Ian McCall along with Kevin McKinlay towards the end of the transfer window of his first season in charge. Paul was brought in to be the much-maligned target man position, a position he didn't do too well in along with Pau; Di Giacomo, both of whom faltered at Firhill. In his career at Thistle Paul played in 21 league games and scored twice.

As for my prediction? I'm always careful when prediciting these games after we unexpectedly lost 1-0 to Clyde when many Jags, including myself were predicting a heavy Thistle win. Airdrie also struck a shock against us twice last year both in the above league game and in the Alba Cup. It will be tight but I am hopeful Thistle can come away with a win.