ONLY ONE TITLE RACE REALLY MATTERS THIS SEASON SO LET'S CAST OUR EYES OVER THE MAIN RUNNERS AND RIDERS IN THE FIRST DIVISION.
PARTICK THISTLE
The Jags could start minus key personnel. Aussie defender Adrian Madaschi is at the Olympics. New sensation Juan Ramon Escalas could jet off to join his national team. Juan was the man of the match in Thistle's 3-0 cup triumph at the weekend - anyone who can score twice against Brechin is surely worth a shot for Spain - especially against Scotland.
Jags fans will be hoping Juan forms a partnership with French forward Arnand One. Firhill regulars can greet him with a chorus of 'There's only One One.' Or perhaps this could cause confusion. Pronounced with a Maryhill twang, 'One' sounds identical to his strike-partner, Juan.
Some tip the Firhill side as favourites. Who can stop them?
St Johnstone
The last time Saints met Thistle at this level it went out live on Sky Sports in 1997. The match was so entertaining Sky have never been back. Last season Perth punters sponsored cardboard cut-outs to fill the McDiarmid Park stands. By February many wanted the cut-outs in the team.
HAMILTON
Lost 5-1 to Thistle in a cup tie earlier this year and are perhaps still traumatised by the fact one was scored by Stephane Bonnes.
ROSS COUNTY
Recent games between County and Thistle have been tight and this season should be no different. Many tip Alex Smith's side to make it a Highland double and follow Caledonian Thistle up into the SPL. If they do, it could get pretty crowded at Pittodrie.
RAITH ROVERS
Last time Thistle visited Rovers had Nacho Novo - and were still relegated. At the moment, the title of 'Best Rovers in Scotland' looks doubtful after Saturday's cuffing by Albion of Coatbridge.
FALKIRK
In season 2001-02, the Jags scored 13 in four games against the Bairns. They've been revitalised by moving to Falkirk Community Stadium - so named because it provides fans with a great view of the surrounding community. When the only stand is full, punters will have to watch the action from open fields and bogs nearby - still infinitely preferable to Brockville, though.
CLYDE
Thistle fans haven't watched their team at Broadwood for a few years, though plenty travelled there in May to cheer Inverness to the title. Seemed like a good idea at the time.
ST MIRREN
Two years ago Partick secured promotion at Love Street. Mixu Paatelainen was the major summer signing; rumour has it the cash-strapped club needed someone who could fit Mark Yardley's oversized striker's training kit.
QUEEN OF THE SOUTH
Haven't met the Jags since both were in Division Two and some reckon the Doonhamers could be heading back there.
AIRDRIE UNITED
In theory Partick have never met this team. But two years ago Thistle played a side at the Excelsior who wore a diamond-styled strip and relied on Owen Coyle to snatch their goals. Maybe not much has changed.
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