Archibald calls for consistency
Boss Alan Archibald has urged his Partick players to make their impressive win over Inverness count when they take on Dundee.
Thistle claimed a stunning 4-0 victory over the Scottish Premiership high-fliers in the Highlands last weekend.
But consistency has been a real issue for Archibald's side this season and he has been frustrated by their inability to put together a run of positive results.
He hopes that is now all about to change and that the Jags can use the Inverness triumph as a springboard.
He said: "Hopefully we will take a lot of confidence. It was a great performance and a great win.
"But we've done it before where we have had good performances and we've left it behind.
"We've got a great opportunity against Dundee to go above them and win the game.
"On our day, we are capable of results like the win against Inverness and the players have got to realise that as well.
"The Inverness manager was very honest and said it was down to us too, it wasn't just down to them having a bad game.
"The boys were really good so they've got to take heart and confidence from it and build on it on Saturday.
"It can only have a good effect. The place was buzzing on Monday and Tuesday.
"That's what happens with good results and performances.
"We need to keep our feet on the ground. It's still just three points - but it becomes a fantastic three points if we can get the same again this week."
After the visit of Dundee, Partick end the year with a trip to Motherwell.
Archibald added: "We've definitely got winnable games coming up.
"It was probably the second quarter we struggled last year, it was very poor.
"We've probably already gained a lot more points than we did at this stage last year. It's a very important period for us.
"We know the games are coming thick and fast and we will need everybody in our squad to get through it."
Partick managed to claim a 1-1 draw at Dundee earlier in the season, despite having goalkeeper Scott Fox sent off that day.
Archibald said: "I've been very impressed with Dundee. They are a bit similar to ourselves in terms of consistency.
"But they have played some really good football and they have been a breath of fresh air to the league.
"We had a good match against them earlier in the season.
"It will be a tough match, they're playing some good football and we look forward to it.
"It's a great opportunity for us. We are trying to hang on to the teams above us.
"Last week's result at Inverness allowed us to do that.
"Now we've got the chance to put ourselves on the front foot and get the three points and move up a couple of places."
Partick are likely to be without Frederic Frans again. The defender - who signed a new deal earlier in the week - has missed several games with a hamstring injury and looks set to miss out again.
Dundee manager Paul Hartley has told his players a successful festive period could define their season - but that they must relish the hectic schedule.
The Dens Park side have nine Scottish Premiership games between now and the end of January, beginning with their trip to Firhill to face Partick Thistle.
Thistle are looking to leapfrog their opponents and Hartley wants to ensure that they start off the Christmas campaign on the front foot.
Hartley said: "It's a busy time for everyone. I think the next six weeks are really vital.
"We've got a lot of games coming up and we want to get as many points as possible like everyone else does.
"It's a time of the year you should try to enjoy. You're training and playing constantly and it's a real tough period which we should relish.
"This is what it's all about and we hope to make the most of it."
Dundee hope to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat away to Hamilton last weekend and Hartley believes his side have the character to do so.
He said: "It was a disappointing day at Hamilton but it's about trying to move on. We always look to the next game and see if we can get the three points.
"It should be a good game because we drew with them at home earlier in the season and it was an open fixture. I would expect this to be the same.
"We want to keep things tight at the back and take our chances when they come."
Dundee skipper Kevin Thomson looks like returning after shaking off a hamstring injury.
Defender Willie Dyer is back in the squad following his knee injury and Canadian Dylan Carreiro is in the squad after being recalled recently from Arbroath. But Gary Harkins is suspended, Craig Wighton has joined Brechin on loan and Peter MacDonald and Kyle Letheren remain out with knee injuries.
Source: PA
