Scottish Championship: St Johnstone vs Partick Thistle match details

If you thought Heart of Midlothian vs Celtic was good last Sunday, get ready for the latest installment in the Scottish Championship title race.

St Johnstone v Partick Thistle on Friday evening has the words ‘potentially season-defining’ written all over it.

A few people laughed when Sportsound presenter Kenny McIntyre tipped Thistle for the title on the first Saturday of the season – especially when the Jags were beaten 5-1 by St Johnstone at MacDiarmid Park.

But no one is laughing now.

A win for Thistle on Friday night would see them leapfrog Saints into top spot, despite having played a game more.

Thistle were also 2-1 winners the last time the two sides met, in November at Firhill.

They have been the most consistent and impressive team in the division, with only faltering moments.

That’s what makes it so difficult as to who will win this match – and certainly the championship outright.

So, to help predict what will happen at MacDiarmid Park, let’s look to see a player who has played at both sides this season – Arbroath midfielder Ryan Flynn.

“I would just go for strength in depth, I would say St Johnstone,” Flynn said on the Scottish Football Podcast.

“St Johnstone scored the most goals, conceded the fewest, won the most matches, and lost the least.

“They are definitely the first team. But all the pressure is on St Johnstone. Simo Valacari has to keep them calm and win the game.”