Partick vs Airdrie United preview - Partick eager to bounce back

Partick will be without suspended midfielder Hugh Murray for their home contest with Airdrie following his dismissal in the club's last league outing.

The Jags, riding high in second place in the First Division, will give captain Alan Archibald until the last minute to prove his fitness following a groin problem.

Firhill manager Jackie McNamara is hoping his side, who lost 3-2 to Morton last time out, can reclaim top spot from Dunfermline.

McNamara said: "It was disappointing to lose the lead on goal difference but it would be great to reclaim it in a home game and end the first quarter of the season very positively. To do that we need to beat Airdrie and hope that Dunfermline drop something.

"Regardless of what Dunfermline do we have to earn the right to win by playing well."

Airdrie head to high-flying Partick without the services of injured quartet Cameron MacDonald, Sean Lynch, John Boyle and Paul di Giacomo.

On a more positive note for the Diamonds, David Lilley is available after suspension and Scott Sally is included in manager Jimmy Boyle's squad for the first time this season after injury, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Airdrie have gone six league games without a win, and Boyle said, "This is a tough, tough game to go into and the players know they will need to work extremely hard to take anything from it.

"They have shown they can do that already this season and hopefully they will again."