Hearts face another huge test of their Premiership title credentials as they face Rangers at Tynecastle.
The leaders are four games away from a first league title since 1960 and breaking the Old Firm’s stranglehold of the Scottish top-flight. Hearts negotiated nine-man Hibs last weekend and could go three points clear of Celtic with three games to go with a win today.
Rangers are in “must-win” territory now having lost to Motherwell at Ibrox last weekend; lose at Tynecastle and Danny Rohl’s side will be seven points off the pace and surely out of the running.
Derek McInnes insisted his Hearts side were still “underdogs” in the title race but the Jambos have performed well against the Old Firm clubs this season and have already beaten Rangers and Celtic twice each.
Another three points would take Hearts a step closer to a history title and one of the biggest shocks Scottish football has produced.
Follow live updates from Hearts v Rangers, below
Last time out: Hearts beat nine-man Hibs
Hearts were fearing the worst when Martin Boyle scored early for rivals Hibs at Easter Road, but then the Edinburgh derby turned when home goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was sent off for handling outside the box before Felix Passlack was also dismissed just three minutes into the second half.
Hearts huffed and puffed, but eventually broke the nine-men of Hibs down when Lawrence Shankland’s flick led to an own goal by Warren O’Hora and substitute Blair Spittal grabbed the winner, with Sabah Kerjota creating both goals for Derek McInnes’ side. With four games to go, it could go down as a famous Edinburgh derby victory.
The latest Premiership standings after Celtic’s win at Hibs
Celtic certainly had some nervy moments against 10-man Hibs yesterday, but Kelechi Iheanacho’s winner from the bench in the 72nd minute kept Martin O’Neill’s side on track with a fourth consecutive victory.
Scottish Premiership title race
1) Hearts | Pld, 34: Pts: 73 (+31 GD)
2) Celtic | Pld, 35: Pts: 73 (+27 GD)
3) Rangers | Pld, 34: Pts: 69 (+34 GD)
Is Hearts v Rangers on TV? Channel, streaming and how to watch Premiership title clash
It will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
What is the Rangers team news?
Danny Rohl said on Friday that left-back Tuur Rommens, striker Ryan Naderi and defender John Souttar were doubts.
What is the Hearts team news?
Derek McInnes was hoping that one of Cammy Devlin or Harry Milne could potentially return after missing the win over nine-man Hibs last weekend. That would certainly be a boost for the leaders, who switched to a back three last week.
Good afternoon
There are momentous days in Scotland. A three-way title race for the ages is heading down to the wire as Tynecastle hosts the latest installment of a thrilling fight between Hearts, Celtic and Rangers this evening.
Leaders Hearts are bidding for their first league title since 1960, a victory that would make Derek McInnes and his players immortal in Edinburgh, and they are four wins away from breaking the Old Firm dominance that has stood since 1985.
Rangers slipped up last week against Motherwell and Danny Rohl’s will know that only a win will do as they arrive at Tynecastle four points behind. Celtic’s win at at Hibs yesterday has set things up rather well.
