Preview: Ross County vs Partick Thistle - prediction, team news, lineups

Ross County will aim to make home advantage count when they welcome Partick Thistle to Victoria Park on Saturday in a bid to secure direct entry into the knockout phase of the Scottish League Cup.

Both sides enter the final round of the group stage separated by two points, with the visitors leading the way and the hosts sitting second.

Match preview

Progressing to the knockout phase of this competition has become a habit for Ross County, who are bidding to do so for a fourth consecutive campaign after topping their group in each of the last three seasons.

With two wins and one draw that ended in a penalty loss, Don Cowie’s men come into this clash knowing that the outcome will determine whether they retain full control over their own fate.

Although they are already assured of a top-two finish in Group B, the former Scottish Cup winners are aware that a slip-up here could cost them, especially given how tight the race for the best second-placed finishers is.

With eight group winners and only three of the highest-ranked runners-up progressing, County’s seven points currently leave them among the top three in line for indirect qualification, though the Staggies are level on points with St Mirren in Group D and Cove Rangers in Group A, while others close behind are on six.

Taking all three points on Saturday would eliminate any need for calculators, but history offers little comfort, as the Dingwall outfit have failed to win four of their last five encounters with Thistle, including a 3-0 defeat at Victoria Park in their most recent meeting.

Adding to that, the hosts have struggled for consistency at home in recent outings, though an emphatic 8-0 triumph over Edinburgh FC last time out brought an end to a five-match winless stretch at the ground and should provide a timely boost.

Meanwhile, Partick Thistle continued their perfect run in the tournament by seeing off Queen of the South 2-0 on Tuesday to maintain top spot in the group.

After ending 2024-25 with back-to-back losses, the Jags have found their rhythm again, following those setbacks with two friendly wins and then reeling off three straight victories in the League Cup.

This resurgence is something of a redemption arc after last season’s early exit, when Mark Wilson’s men finished second in their group but failed to qualify, and with the top spot now in their own hands, just a point will be enough to seal progression.

Thistle also boast solid away credentials going into this tie, having lost just one of their last five competitive games on the road (W3, D1), so the Jags should be confident of getting a result that sees them finish as Group B winners.

Ross County Scottish League Cup form:

Ross County form (all competitions):

Partick Thistle Scottish League Cup form:

Partick Thistle form (all competitions):

Team News

Ross County have opted for a 4-4-2 formation throughout the tournament so far, and Cowie could stick with that system once again.

Bradley Foster returned between the sticks in their previous outing, having been left out on matchday two, and could retain his place in goal here.

With Akil Wright absent from the last match, Cowie might again deploy the back four of Ben Crompton, Declan Gallagher, Dylan Smith and Len O'Sullivan.

Dean Cornelius is in line to return to midfield alongside Ross Docherty after coming off the bench last time out, while Ronan Hale remains a sure starter in attack after bagging a hat-trick against Edinburgh.

Teenager Joe Coyle also announced himself in style with two goals off the bench on his debut and could play some part again.

Three players have led the line in their three group fixtures for Thistle, but with Logan Chalmers moving into an attacking midfield role recently, Wilson may either go with Tony Watt as a natural striker or deploy Ben Stanway as a false nine.

The defensive line has remained unchanged throughout the competition, meaning Lewis Budinauckas should continue in goal behind a back four of Cammy Logan, Lee Ashcroft, Daniel O'Reilly and Paddy Reading.

Aidan Fitzpatrick and Tsoanelo Letsosa, who both found the net against Queen of the South, are expected to retain their places in the attacking trio, while Robbie Crawford and Luke McBeth should once again form the double pivot in midfield.

Ross County possible starting lineup:

Foster; Crompton, Gallagher, Smith, O'Sullivan; Henderson, Docherty, Cornelius, Emslie; White, Hale

Partick Thistle possible starting lineup:

Budinauckas; Reading, Ashcroft, O'Reilly, Logan; McBeth, Crawford; Fitzpatrick, Chalmers, Lawless; Watt

We say: Ross County 1-1 Partick Thistle

Ross County may have found their spark with that record win over Edinburgh, but they are coming up against a Partick Thistle side riding a wave of momentum, and with both teams carrying threats, a share of the spoils feels like the likeliest outcome.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.