Paton blow for Thistle
First Division leaders Partick will again be without captain Paul Paton, who is suffering from a knee injury, when then take on their closest challengers Morton at Firhill.
Jordan McMillan is a doubt with illness and Andy Dowie will make his debut in place of Ramsdens Cup Final bad boy Aaron Muirhead, who was already suspended for this meeting after being sent off against Raith Rovers last midweek.
Hugh Murray is also out with a foot problem with Stuart Bannigan, James Craigen and Chris Erskine all struggling after picking up knocks up in Sunday's penalty-kick defeat from Queen of the South.
Player-manager Archibald said: "Sunday was a disappointment and we are a bit light on numbers but I am sure that we will rise to the challenge of playing a good Morton side."
Morton have former Partick favourite Martin Hardie available.
Hardie served a one-game suspension in Saturday's 5-2 defeat of Airdrie United but is now available.
Stephen Stirling remains out after the broken leg he suffered against Thistle in October and Peter Weatherson will be missing due to a broken hand.
Manager Allan Moore will finalise his side after fitness tests on Kevin Rutkiewicz, who has a calf problem and Thomas O'Ware (hamstring).
Moore said: "This game is a must won for us and it some ways that makes it easier. We have beaten them twice this season and if we can out in a high level of performance for 90 minutes we can make it three."
Source: PA
