AYR UNITED have to climb a mountain if they are to realise their Premiership dream when they entertain Partick Thistle on Friday night at Somerset Park,
Their chances took a massive blow when talisman striker Dipo Akinyemi was ruled out before a ball was kicked through injury and that seemed to have a massive impact on them as they crumbled to a 3-0 leathering from the Jags that could have been even worse.
The Honest Men – who haven't played top flight Scottish football since they were relegated in 1978 – need to overturn that three-goal deficit and they will be praying top scorer Akinyemi is declared fit for what could be his final match for the club after 24 goals this season.
But they are playing a Thistle side who seem full of confidence under Kris Doolan. The Maryhill men have been on an excellent recent run that has seen them lose just one game in 16 since he took over from Ian McCall. And remember, they can lose by two goals here and still ease through.
They are heading into the play-offs with real momentum and have key men Brian Graham, Scott Tiffoney and Aidan Fitzpatrick all playing out of their skin at the moment.
Lee Bullen's side have won just two out of their last seven games.
How the bookies view it
Because of their need to win, Ayr are 5/4 favourites here with McBookie.com Partick Thistle can be backed at 2/1 with UniBet and the draw is 5/2 with bet365.
Ayr are 16/1 ro qualify with McBookie.com and Thistle are 1/100!
Recent head to heads
As stated, Thistle were too strong for Ayr in the first leg and comprehensively beat them 3-0.
In fact, the Jags have won three of the five meetings so far this term with Ayr only winning once and the other a draw.
Players to watch
As already explained, Dipo Akinyemi is by far the key man for Ayr as his goal record states and he is 8/5 to score anytime with William Hill.
Brian Graham is 35 now but appears to be playing better than ever. He has scored four goals in his last three games and should get chances here. He is 23/10 to score anytime also with William Hill.
Anything else catch the eye?
Thistle completely outplayed Ayr last week, have gathered significant momentum and look like they could be in the mood to inflict more pain and misery on their hosts on Friday at a big price.
Somerset Park may well be bouncing, but that can only get you so far and it looks like Ayr's season has gone on for a game or two too long.
The Jags are particularly strong on the wings and provide very decent ammunition for Brian Graham. Take a wee punt on him scoring first and the Jags to win at 11/1 with bet365.
Finally, there were 15 corners in what was supposed to be a cagey first leg. At tight Somerset Park there should be plenty too with the hosts having to go for it. Go for over 10/5 with bet365 at 10/11.
This Scottish Premiership match between Ayr United and Partick Thistle will be played on May 26, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Ayr United vs Partick Thistle prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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