Jim McIntyre wants Ross County's "game-changers" to come to the fore as the Dingwall team seeks to ignite its Premiership campaign.
A decent opening set of results in the League Cup group stages and an excellent win at Dundee in the league have given way to a run of four straight league and cup defeats.
McIntyre would be far more concerned by the statistics were he not enthused by general play, but knows results are the be-all and end-all.
According to the Staggies’ boss, it is time for his proven match-winners to come to the fore.
McIntyre said: "I think the only performance where we let ourselves down was last time out against Rangers.
“Previous to that, very fine margins have won and lost us games.
"It is up to us to show a response this weekend, especially being at home. We want to put on a far better performance than we did last time out.
"We are still creating opportunities to score and that's the most important thing.
“But the game is about winning, so we have to make sure we're being ruthless when the opportunities come our way.
"The league is so tight in terms of the ability in each squad and the game-changers within your squad have to produce when we get those moments.
"Equally, we need to ensure we are being ruthless at the back."
County have a doubt over midfielder Jim O’Brien as they seek to improve on last season’s solitary draw from three games against Partick.
McIntyre stressed: "Thistle were a bit like ourselves (in the 4-3 defeat) against Aberdeen, where we played very well for long periods. Again, it all boils down to the fine margins.
"Thistle, rightly so, got their top six place last season. This season has not started the way they've wanted, but their games have been very close, losing by the odd goal here and there.
"They have also had a lot of good play within those games, a bit like ourselves.
"We know we will be facing a team that is not down in confidence and they will be desperate to get that first win on board."
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