Premiership play-offs begin with Partick v Ayr – watch on BBC

Two years ago, a rampant Partick Thistle destroyed Ayr United 8-0 on aggregate in the Premiership play-off semi-finals.

It is highly unlikely to be quite as one-sided this time round as they prepare to meet again, this time at the quarter-final stage.

In fact, Ayr United should probably go into the tie as slight favourites this time round.

Scott Brown’s side finished third in the table, eight points clear of Thistle.

Add to this the Honest Men were able to rest several players in their Friday win over Airdrieonians as they were already guaranteed a play-off berth.

In contrast, Partick Thistle had to fight tooth and claw to win away at Livingston to guarantee their play-off place.

That was duly delivered with a hard-fought 1-0 win, but it was undoubtedly a draining experience for a Thistle side who had to be at full throttle.

We have seen over the years how the pressures of an intense workload can take a toll on the Championship sides seeking a place in the Premiership.

However, with Brian Graham leading from the front, Thistle’s sheer will to win should not be underestimated. The club captain along with his interim co-manager Mark Wilson will want to show the powers that be that they have what it takes to take the club to the next level.

The bottom line is that a return to the top flight would do wonders for Partick Thistle on a fiscal basis with the club having made major budget cuts in recent seasons.

The will to win exists in spades at Ayr United also. How could it not with Scott Brown at the helm?

There is a sense of something significant being built steadily under the stewardship of Ayr United fan, chairman and construction tycoon David Smith. But the question persists – is this a season too soon for the Ayr United project to reach the top table?

It is also worth noting that Partick Thistle have had slightly the better of the four fixtures between the sides this season with two home wins for the Jags. Somerset Park witnessed one home win and a draw.

It is also worth adding that Ayr have managed just two wins from their last nine.

Partick Thistle’s form had been a bit patchy but their previous two matches were wins against the top two, Falkirk and Livingston. But you do wonder how much that took out of them.

Livingston lie in wait next week for the winner. That is a sizeable hurdle enough in itself before a final against whoever tumbles out of the Premiership trapdoor.