Partick Thistle v Dunfermline: Four things Pars need to do to win

A dominant Dunfermline secured Fife derby bragging rights last Friday night in a 2-0 home success against Raith Rovers, a result which saw them move off the foot of the table - leapfrogging their opponents - and move up to seventh spot.

That came on the back of a home draw with Ayr United, who were then league leaders, and an SPFL Trust Trophy third round win at East Fife, following a difficult start to the campaign.

The Pars had lost their first three league games - without scoring - which came after a trio of losses in the Premier Sports Cup, as they exited the competition in the group stage.

Their excellent win over the Rovers - a first in six derbies with them - will have them heading to Firhill in fine fettle, where a win would see them jump above their opponents, who are one point better off in fifth place.

Dunfermline were convincing winners against Raith Rovers last Friday. (Image: Craig Brown.)

"I'd be lying if I said, aye, this week's been much better than last week. I don't think that's been the case," McPake replied when asked by Press Sport if there had been a noticeable lift in the mood of the squad.

"I think when they perform well on a Saturday, or they don't perform well, they come in and football players just want to work and get themselves through it.

"That's what I've been pleased with with that group. They've worked really hard and they're now getting the results. That's our first league win, so I've not sat down with them and said 'are you feeling a lot better'?

James McPake was pleased with his side's performance against Raith Rovers. (Image: Craig Brown.)

"It's one game, it's three points, but in terms of the performances, that's what's been pleasing."

READ MORE: Boss 'won't rush' star back into action

So, if the Pars are to pick up another victory against the Jags, how can they achieve it?

We've taken a look at four areas which could help them to three points.

Keep that derby spirit alive!

Last Friday evening was an excellent one for everybody of a black and white persuasion.

The result was, of course, the most important aspect of it, but the manner in which it was achieved was also extremely pleasing.

The red card issued to former Dunfermline centre back, Euan Murray, in just the 16th minute did give the home side an advantage, but McPake's side had been the better side until that point in any case.

Euan Murray was red-carded for Raith Rovers in the match at East End. (Image: Craig Brown.)

They pressed their opponents aggressively, often forcing them into errors, and played with an intent that their Kirkcaldy rivals couldn't deal with, while also showing patience when Rovers dropped deeper when they went down to 10 men.

If the Pars can play on the front foot against at Thistle, then they'll give themselves a good chance of claiming a positive result.

Get the ball to Ewan Otoo!

Ewan Otoo was the subject of transfer speculation before the summer window closed, and in recent weeks, he has become something of a talisman for the club.

The versatile midfielder has scored in each of Dunfermline's last two league matches, and his energy, positivity in looking to go forward, and ability to help out defensively, have more than player their part in the team's recent upturn in form.

Ewan Otoo scored his second league goal of the season in the derby. (Image: Craig Brown.)

Otoo is likely to be a key figure in the middle of the park again this weekend, and he can help set the tone for his side.

READ MORE: Otoo channels the 'hurt' from past derbies to get payback for the Pars

Will Matty Todd make a surprise return?

There was more good news this week with the news that midfielder, Matty Todd, has returned to full training.

The influential 23-year-old fractured his collarbone during pre-season and has yet to feature in a competitive match for the Pars this campaign.

It remains to be seen whether Todd will be involved this weekend - McPake told Press Sport he will "give him to the very last minute" - but, if he does make it, it will give the squad an added dimension.

Matty Todd, pictured scoring in Dunfermline's 3-1 win on their last visit to Partick Thistle in February, has returned to training after injury. (Image: Craig Brown.)

However, will the manager be tempted to change things up, or 'go again' with the side that convincingly beat Raith?

David Wotherspoon produced a man of the match performance, topped off with a fantastic goal, last week, whilst Josh Cooper made a positive impact from the bench.

David Wotherspoon produced a man of the match performance against Raith. (Image: Craig Brown.)

In addition, doubts remain over the availability of captain, Kyle Benedictus, at centre back, but, with Sam Fisher and Rhys Breen both available, will he keep faith with Tommy Fogarty and Sam Young, who hugely impressed against the Rovers?

Neutralise the threat of the Jags' Brian Graham

Whenever his side are due to face the Jags, McPake is quick to point to the threat of their evergreen forward, Brian Graham - and with good reason.

Brian Graham scored in each of Partick's four meetings with the Pars last season. (Image: Craig Brown.)

The 36-year-old, who also manages Thistle's women's side, continues to be their leading threat in attack, and has hit four goals in nine appearances this season - although those have all come in cup competitions.

Last season, Graham scored once in each of Dunfermline's four meetings with his team, and has six in nine games against the Pars in a Partick shirt.

A goalscoring threat and a focal point, negating his threat, and the service to him by Thistle's other attacking players, could provide a platform towards a good result heading back to West Fife.