Partick Thistle entertain Livingston on Tuesday evening
Partick Thistle v Livingston Free Bets & Match Preview
Thistle Tussle: Partick Host Livingston in Battle for Premiership Spot
Scottish Premiership Playoffs – Semi-Finals (1st Leg)
📅 Tuesday, 13 May 2025
🕖 7:45 PM (UK Time)
🏟 The Energy Check Stadium
It’s that time of year again—when dreams of top-flight glory are dashed or made, and when the Scottish Premiership playoffs offer just the right mix of tension, drama, and occasional defensive panic. On Tuesday evening, Partick Thistle welcome Livingston to The Energy Check Stadium for the first leg of their semi-final showdown, both sides jostling for the chance to move one step closer to Premiership football.
With a recent win over Livingston tucked in their back pocket, the Jags will be quietly optimistic about their chances. Then again, optimism and Scottish football often go together about as well as soup and a fork. Still, for punters looking to add a bit of thrill to proceedings, it’s well worth casting an eye over Betrino’s new customer offer—Bet £25, Get £50 in Free Bets – ideal for easing the nerves, even if the team you backed insists on hoofing it long at every opportunity.
Jags Eye Another Step Forward in Their Promotion Odyssey
For Partick Thistle, the journey back to the Scottish Premiership has been anything but a straight line. Since securing promotion to the Championship in the 2020–21 season, the Jags have been perpetual nearly-men—exiting at the semi-final stage in 2021–22 to Caley Thistle, falling at the final hurdle to Ross County the following season via a dreaded penalty shootout, and enduring yet more spot-kick heartbreak against Raith Rovers last year after another dramatic 3-3 aggregate draw.
Still, here they are again, fourth-place finishers and somehow still standing. Just two points ahead of Raith Rovers, Partick are marching on—now guided by interim duo Brian Graham and Mark Wilson following the exit of Kris Doolan. And if the quarter-final against Ayr United is anything to go by, they’re not short on fight.
After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, the Jags pulled off a comeback for the ages at Firhill, with Graham turning scorer and saviour. His brace—topped off with a late winner in the 88th minute—fired them into the semis and added yet another chapter to their never-dull playoff story.
Livingston Ready for Revenge (and Redemption)
Livingston’s fall from grace last season was, in a word, painful. Rock bottom of the Premiership, they dropped into the second tier with barely a whimper. But to their credit, David Martindale’s side rallied admirably, finishing second in the Championship—just three points behind champions Falkirk—and ensuring a direct path to this semi-final clash.
The Lions are undoubtedly favourites heading into the tie, despite that final-day defeat to Partick Thistle. That 1-0 result might provide the Jags with a psychological edge, but when you zoom out a little, the picture becomes clearer: that loss was Livingston’s only defeat to Partick in the past eight meetings. In fact, they’ve won five of those encounters and drawn two, including two notable away victories at Firhill.
So while Martindale’s men may be licking their wounds from that blip, they’ll be more than aware that history—at least recent history—is on their side.
Thistle’s Starting Line-up: A Familiar Feel With Minor Tweaks
Following the dramatic second-leg triumph over Ayr United, it would be no surprise if Partick chose to stick with a largely unchanged side. David Mitchell is expected to retain the gloves between the sticks, marshalled by a back three that includes the pace of Kieron Megwa, the composure of Lee Ashcroft, and the youthful energy of Aaron McBeth.
Midfield could see one change, depending on the fitness of Kyle Turner. Having been withdrawn early in the previous match, his availability remains in doubt, and that could open the door for Zander Mackenzie to step in alongside Stuart Bannigan, Ben Stanway, and the ever-energetic Aidan Fitzpatrick. Fit-again Scott Crawford may slot in at right wing-back, completing a dynamic middle unit.
Up front, expect to see captain Graham leading the line, likely partnered by Kerr Low in an attack that’s short on frills but brimming with commitment—and the occasional dramatic winner.
Livingston’s Line-up: Fresh Legs and Familiar Faces
Having enjoyed nearly two weeks off since that loss to Partick, Livingston should arrive well-rested, refreshed, and probably having watched Braveheart on repeat. Shamal Prior should take his place in goal, with a defensive quartet of Michael Brandon, Jack McGowan, Sean Wilson, and Jamie Fraser offering stability at the back.
Midfield should see Scott Pittman anchoring proceedings, flanked by Stephen Kelly and Dylan Tait in a three-man unit designed to disrupt, distribute and—if the stars align—dominate. The attacking trio practically picks itself: Andrew Smith and Cristian Montano out wide, with Robbie Muirhead through the middle. Muirhead, let’s not forget, has been in red-hot form—four goals in five games to close out the season, and he’ll be licking his lips at the chance to get at Partick’s backline again.
Form, Frailties and a Touch of Fortune
The thing with these playoffs is that form goes out the window faster than a budget midfielder on transfer deadline day. Sure, Livingston have had the upper hand in this fixture over recent years, but their final-day defeat lingers like a misplaced pass in midfield.
And let’s not pretend the Jags are invincible. They’ve been patchy at best this season, and while they showed great spirit to beat Ayr, relying on last-minute goals is a habit that tends to bite back.
But then, this is where the magic happens. Where form is flipped, underdogs bark loudly, and where bookmakers are left scratching their heads.
The Verdict: A Tight Affair With the Lions Roaring Loudest?
Partick will be buoyed by their recent win, home crowd, and growing belief that this might finally be their year. They’ve flirted with promotion for too long not to believe it’s within touching distance.
Livingston, meanwhile, have the squad depth, the experience, and the hunger to return to the top flight—and that extra bit of rest could prove the difference.
Our prediction? Partick Thistle 0-1 Livingston. Expect a cagey affair, a few crunching tackles, and perhaps a decisive moment of quality from Muirhead or Pittman. The Lions may leave with the first-leg advantage, but with everything still to play for in the return fixture.
Final Word (And a Little Something for the Punters)
These Scottish Premiership playoffs always throw up their fair share of chaos, controversy, and cracking goals—and Tuesday night should be no exception. Whether you’re backing the Jags to continue their fairytale or fancy Livingston to flex their top-tier muscles, it’s a game full of betting intrigue.
For those considering a flutter, Betrino’s generous free bet bonus could be the difference between a frustrating evening and one with a silver lining. With £50 in Free Bets up for grabs from a £25 stake, there’s never been a better time to back your gut instinct—even if it’s telling you Partick will win 3-2 with a bicycle kick in the 93rd minute.
Whatever happens, buckle up. Because at this stage of the Scottish season, it’s never just another Tuesday night.
