Hamilton v Partick Thistle
Saturday 20th July 1500hrs
Football – Scotland– League Cup
Pick Partick Thistle draw no bet
BookmakerUnibet
Odds: 17/10 (odds taken 21.00 GMT, Friday 19th July)
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97/100 | 53/20 | 12/5 |
* (Betting Odds were taken from 22Bet on July 19th, 2019 at 21.00)
It’s the third round of games in the Scottish League Cup this weekend and the pick of the round is at Firhill. The leaders of Group F Partick Thistle have a chance to qualify for the knockout phase with a win over Hamilton.
Scottish League Cup Betting at Unibet
Hamilton Preview – Will Hamilton’s Premiership status show against Thistle?
Hamilton performed another of their survival specials last season to see them preserve their Premiership status for another year. Brian Rice took over midway through that campaign meaning this will be the first beginning to a season. As ever, there has been a massive transition in terms of players over the summer. That’s the model which Hamilton work with and the objective will be the same again – staying in the top-flight. Cup runs are always going to be a bonus but there’s no doubt they are second in terms of their priorities. As such, they have struggled to make an impact in this competition – and not gotten past the second round since 2014. Rice will be hoping that he can make more of an impact and has shown ambition since becoming manager.
Their campaign to date has been one of mixed emotions. A home game against League Two Queens Park should have been three points for Accies. It proved to be one of those days where they couldn’t find a goal, though. A draw after 90 minutes meant penalties which they eventually lost. It may not have been the opening they would have wanted but they managed to bounce back. A 3-1 win away to Clyde in midweek has got them back in the hunt and they can go top of the section with a win here.
Partick Thistle Preview – Can Partick book their place in the knockout phase with another win?
Having suffered relegation from the Premiership in 2017/18, Partick came much closer than they would ever have hoped for second successive relegation. A win on the final day of last season ensured their safety and new investment since has them looking up once again. Just like his counterpart on Saturday, Gary Caldwell is embarking on his first full season and looking to make his mark. The playoffs in the Championship will be their ultimate aim, if not higher, but Caldwell has also stated his desire to do well in the cups. It led them to the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup last season and close to reaching the last four. On the early evidence this term then another cup run looks a possibility.
A narrow 1-0 win at home to Airdrie last weekend was followed by a 2-1 success away to Glasgow rivals Queen Park on Tuesday. It puts them on maximum points and holding a two-point advantage over the team they face tomorrow. The experienced striker Kenny Miller has already got off the mark for his new club, scoring the opening goal on Tuesday. His goals will be vital following the loss of another veteran, Scott McDonald.
Key-Facts – Hamilton v Partick Thistle
- Partick Thistle currently top Group E having both won their first two games in this year’s League Cup
- Hamilton would have been disappointed to lose on penalties at home to Queens Park in their first game, but bounced back with a good win over Clyde
- Kenny Miller joined Thistle in the summer and the evergreen striker will be looking to add to his first goal scored against Airdrie
Hamilton v Partick Thistle Betting Advice
Thistle lead Group E coming into this game but the home team know a win would see them leapfrog their opponents heading into their respective final games. Top spot would guarantee that team a place in the knockout stage and this game looks like it will have a significant impact on determining who that will be.
The teams last met in this competition back in 2012 when Hamilton edged past Thistle after extra time. The games Hamilton and Partick have played in the group stage so far have all been very close and this is likely to be the same. The onus will be on the home team to take the game to their opponent but Thistle will fancy their chances. They have started the season strongly and are capable of avoiding defeat in the 90 minutes, remaining in control of the group.
