“Corey Adams is definitely out with a shoulder injury so we’ll carry on with Nicky Land up front, supported by our wide men, Josh Harris on the right and Josh Adams on the left, with Jarom Brouwer supporting Nicky from midfield.
“That allows Kieran Venema and Cullen Spawforth to play holding roles in the middle of the park.”
Thistle go into the match 10 points behind leaders Taranaki and four behind second-placed Havelock.
“We respect that Taranaki are by far the best team in the competition but we’re targeting second and to do that we have to win tomorrow, especially with Havelock having played a game less than us.”
Thistle beat Havelock 3-1 in a league game at Childers Road Reserve but lost 4-3 to Havelock two weeks later in a Chatham Cup match at Guthrie Park.
“Games there are always tough and I’m expecting it to be the same tomorrow,” Ryan said.
“An earlier-than-usual kick-off, 1pm instead of 2.30, doesn’t help.
“It’s always hard travelling on the bus then having to play but at least we’ll be home earlier, hopefully with three points.”
Ryan said last week’s win was a huge confidence boost for the side.
“We’ve got no problems scoring but in recent games we’ve not defended as well as we need to, conceding only one goal was good.
“That’s what I’m looking for tomorrow, a clean sheet at the back, and then it’s up to the midfielders and Nicky to get on the scoresheet again.”
Land scored a hat-trick last week.
