Livingston will be looking to the Scottish Cup to provide a distraction from what has been a difficult season as they travel to face Partick Thistle in the fifth round.
While the Lions are fighting relegation, the hosts are currently thriving in the Scottish Championship and will look to prove they are ready to make the step up to the top flight on Saturday.
Match preview
Partick Thistle currently sit third in the Scottish Championship, but they will be attempting to keep fighting for silverware outside of that this weekend in the Scottish Cup.
It is a trophy that the club has only ever one once, back in 1921, but putting together a run deep in the tournament will coincide with their impressive league campaign and build the confidence of the team.
Throughout history, the Jags have had the upper hand on Livingston, winning nine games in comparison to the seven that the Lions have managed, and continuing that run is exactly what Kris Doolan will be looking for.
Partick Thistle have already knocked out one Scottish Premiership club in this competition, as they comfortably defeated Ross County 3-0 in the previous round.
Goals from Brian Graham, Scott Robinson and Stuart Bannigan were enough to blow away the Staggies, and another confident performance against a struggling team in the top flight could be enough to secure passage into the quarter-finals.
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Livingston have only managed to win two games in the league this season, which has left the club at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership with pressure mounting on every match.
That is why being able to participate in the Scottish Cup could provide a welcome distraction for the team, giving them a chance to compete without the need to worry about points.
That freedom benefited the Lions in the previous round as they defeated Raith Rovers, but even in that match David Martindale's men had to fight from behind after conceding in the fifth minute.
Goals from Jamie Brandon and Daniel MacKay proved to be enough to secure Livingston's place in this round, but they will need to step up their recent performances once again to earn a place in the final eight.
The Lions have gone four matches in a row without a victory, with the most recent taking place in midweek as they were defeated 1-0 by Kilmarnock, a result they will now look to put behind them.
Team News
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The hosts will be without both Luke McBeth and Daniel O'Reilly for this game due to the fact they are cup-tied, which will force some tweaks to the starting lineup.
Partick Thistle will likely be able to welcome back club captain Brian Graham, who missed out last weekend because of illness.
Livingston switched things up during their most recent outing by having Tete Yengi as the lone striker, opting to have five midfielders to provide more protection to the back four.
Considering the Lions only lost 1-0 last time out, that formation proved to be beneficial, so Martindale could stick with the same set-up this weekend.
Partick Thistle possible starting lineup:
Sneddon; McMillan, Muirhead, Neilson, Milne; McInroy, Bannigan, Fitzpatrick, Robinson, Lawless; Graham
Livingston possible starting lineup:
George; Brandon, Donnellan, Obileye, Sangare; Kelly, Pittman, Holt, Carson, Shinnie; Yengi
We say: Partick Thistle 2-0 Livingston
Livingston might head into this match as the favourites on paper, but considering the season that each club is having right now, it is going to be a difficult fixture for the Lions.
Partick Thistle are performing well and showcasing real confidence, and with the home advantage, they could end up booking a place in the final eight.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
