The clubs will square up tomorrow afternoon at Firhill as the new season kicks off and Jags veteran Hugh Murray admits confidence is high in the Thistle camp ahead of what could be a memorable year for Jackie McNamara's side.
Having emerged unbeaten from their pre-season games and two potentially tricky cup ties against Clyde and Forfar, the Jags head into the new campaign with momentum behind them.
Saturday's Bairns clash and a trip to newly-relegated Dunfermline next weekend give them the chance to set an early marker of their title intentions, with Murray keen to get off to the best possible start.
He said: "We had a good pre-season and we got two good wins in the cup games but the real stuff starts on Saturday.
"We have got a big game against Falkirk, who will be looking to do well in the league too. It is one we are looking forward to, though.
"You could look at it as a difficult start but you have got to play these teams at some point so you are as well playing them at the start.
"It will be a good game to play in I am sure. I would imagine Falkirk would bring a good support through to Firhill with them. They will be looking to start well because they will want to challenge this year as well. It should be a good game.
"We finished sixth last year and we want to improve on that. Where that will be, I don't know. But we have had a good pre-season and won the two cup games.
"We have got a difficult game against Falkirk to start the league campaign but it is one we are looking forward to."
Having added five players to his ranks this summer, McNamara has assembled a squad that, on paper at least, has the potential to be in the mix for title contention.
Murray has impressed at the heart of the Jags midfield since signing from St Mirren but it is his younger compatriot, Stuart Bannigan, who has perhaps stolen the show this summer.
Murray said: "Stuart has been flying so far. He has started the season really well and he has really impressed me.
"He has got a great engine, he gets about the park and can play in a couple of different positions. His form has been great so far and long may that continue.
"We do have a good, strong squad. You only had to look at the team against Forfar to see the strength in depth we have at the club.
"Paul Paton and Conrad Balatoni were suspended and we were without Christie Elliot because he wasn't well but we still had a good team on the park and a strong bench.
"We have got a strong squad and there is good competition for places right across the team."
