Football Bet of the Day: Partick poised to take initiative in play-off tie

The Scottish Premiership play-offs start on Tuesday when Partick Thistle take on Ayr in the first leg of their quarter-final.

That Championship pair are battling it out to take on Livingston, who finished second in the table, in the next round and then whoever finishes 11th in the Premiership in the final. It is a complex and gruelling playoff system and both Thistle and Ayr will be keen to build up a lead ahead of Friday’s second leg, but, despite finishing eight points behind their visitors in the Championship, it is Partick who are fancied to secure the win on Tuesday. Read on for Tuesday's Football Bet of the Day.

Football Odds

Given they finished third and earned eight points more than their hosts, it is no surprise to see that Ayr come into the first leg of this play-off tie as favourites.

However, while Scott Brown’s side may eventually book themselves a semi-final against Livingston, there is reason to oppose them at Firhill, where the hosts should take the initiative on Tuesday.

Thistle’s preparation for this tie could not have gone any better, with the Jags following up their 2-1 win over the champions, Falkirk, with a 1-0 away win at runners-up Livingston - a side thrashed Ayr 5-0 just last month.

In fact, Partick have been excellent ever since appointing Brian Graham and Mark Wilson as co-interim managers. The pair have led the Jags to five wins and just two losses in their 11 matches and there is a real sense of belief among the squad.

Anything other than a win at title-chasing Livingston would have seen them drop out of the playoffs with Raith breathing down their necks and their ability to rise to the occasion could serve them well in the play-offs.

Partick Thistle vs Ayr United Odds

The Jags also have the benefit of a brilliant head-to-head record against Ayr. Thistle have lost just one of the pair’s last 13 meetings, winning 2-0 when they hosted the Honest Men in March.

With that in mind, a price of 13/10 looks pretty short for Ayr, especially with this game being played away from their Somerset Park home. Brown’s side have lost four of their last five away matches, only beating second-bottom Airdrieonians in that run.

In contrast, Partick have lost only two of their last 16 matches at Firhill and a buoyant home crowd could spur them onto a first-leg victory on Tuesday.

Thistle are prone to drawing at home, though, seeing four of their last seven at Firhill finish level, so those wishing to play safe could consider a decent 6/5 price for the hosts in the draw-no-bet market as a form of insurance.

However, their excellent record against Ayr and the momentum gained from back-to-back wins over the top two should help them get over the line and the juicy 2/1 available for a Thistle win is the most appealing bet.

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