Everything you need to watch the Partick Thistle v St Mirren relegation playoff first leg, including kick-off time, broadcast options and injury updates
The opening match of the Scottish Premiership relegation playoff between Partick Thistle and St Mirren arrives with plenty at stake for both clubs. This article summarises the essential viewing information and the on-field context ahead of the first leg staged at The Wyre Stadium at Firhill in Glasgow.
Fans of either side will want to know how to tune in, who is available, and which officials are overseeing the tie as both teams prepare for the two-legged battle.
Partick Thistle, managed by Marc Wilson, are aiming to return to the top flight after an eight-year absence and they come into this fixture buoyed by a 3-2 aggregate victory over Dunfermline Athletic in the playoff semi-finals.
St Mirren, meanwhile, have fought a difficult run of form late in the campaign and now face the threat of relegation despite earlier success in the season. The first leg at Firhill is on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm; the result here will shape the decisive return match in Paisley next Monday.
Broadcast and live stream information
If you do not want to miss a moment of the action, the fixture will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm—half an hour before the 8pm kick-off. For viewers who prefer highlights, extended coverage will be available on Sportscene on BBC One Scotland from 10.30pm. Subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app, which offers live access for account holders, while non-subscribers can purchase a Sky Sports day pass on Now TV for £14.99 to watch the match live.
Why this tie matters and what to expect
The tie pits a promotion-chasing Partick Thistle against a St Mirren side determined to preserve their Premiership status. For Thistle, returning to the top flight would mark the end of an eight-season absence and vindicate their playoff campaign. For St Mirren, avoiding relegation is vital to protect the season’s positives—most notably their cup success earlier in the campaign—and interim manager Craig McLeish has publicly urged his players to protect their standing within the club. Expect a tightly contested first leg where home advantage and a disciplined defensive display could prove decisive.
Team news and availability
Availability will influence selection decisions for both managers. Partick Thistle will be without a number of key options: loanees Oisin Smyth and Fraser Taylor cannot play against their parent club, and Dan O’Reilly is ruled out after sustaining a concussion in the semi-final. Another loanee, Ethan Ingram, has returned to his parent club, Dundee, for treatment on an injury, further limiting options in defence. These absences will test Marc Wilson’s squad depth and tactical choices for the tie.
Partick Thistle specifics
With several temporary signings unavailable due to their loan terms, Marc Wilson must rely on the club’s permanent squad members to deliver a strong performance at Firhill. The home advantage could be significant, and Wilson will be aiming for an early lead to take to Paisley for the return leg. Expect a pragmatic lineup focused on defensive solidity and quick transitions as Thistle look to capitalise on the momentum from their semi-final success.
St Mirren specifics
St Mirren are grappling with a long injury list that includes Jonah Ayunga (ACL), Keanu Baccus (Achilles), Declan John (hernia), Malik Dijksteel (groin), plus goalkeepers Shamal George (neck) and Ryan Mullen (thigh), all expected to miss the fixture. There is some encouragement with Conor McMenamin and Dan Nlundulu returning to training and potentially making the matchday squad. Those returns could provide valuable attacking options for interim boss Craig McLeish as he looks to steady the club heading into the two-legged showdown.
Match officials, betting and additional notes
The referee appointed for the encounter is Ryan Lee, assisted by David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell. On VAR duty is Andrew Dallas, with Grant Irvine acting as AVAR. For those interested in the markets, current odds via oddschecker.com list Partick Thistle at 9/5, the draw at 9/4, and St Mirren at 9/5. With the tie split over two legs, the first match is likely to be cautious but intense, and every detail—from selection to officiating—will matter as both clubs chase very different outcomes.
