Derek McInnes makes his first return to Tynecastle since leaving Hearts for Rangers this summer, with the Ibrox side sitting four points ahead of their Edinburgh hosts in the Scottish Premiership. The former Jambos boss, who grew up supporting Rangers and later played for the club, left Tynecastle just days after Hearts were pipped to the title by Celtic on the final day of last season.
McInnes admits he was left racked with guilt after walking away from the capital club, and he expects a hostile reception from the Hearts faithful. He knows he will deserve the hammering he gets from supporters who once idolised him for taking the team to within minutes of a historic title triumph before a late Celtic surge denied them.
Hostile Return Expected
Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken will stress to his players that they will be playing into Rangers' hands if they allow themselves to be influenced by the emotion of McInnes' return. However, the Belgian knows it will be a different story in the stands, with Hearts fans desperate to ensure the former gaffer has a torrid evening.
Hearts are heavily depleted in midfield and at the back, dealing with a crippling injury list and a demanding fixture schedule. The Jambos bounced back from a heavy defeat at Celtic Park with a 2-0 win at Motherwell on Sunday, but concerns remain at the back.
Title Race Implications
Rangers go into the game four points ahead of Hearts, with the gap to Celtic at the top of the table a key concern. Dropped points in Gorgie would see the pressure crank up on the Ibrox side, leaving little margin for error in the title race even at this stage of the season.
Rangers are looking strong across the pitch, with creative sparks Minsu Kim and Badredine Bouanani on the flanks. The visitors have not shied away from big domestic occasions this season and are on an impressive run, with predictions from the press pack favouring a narrow away victory, though some see a draw as possible given Hearts' strength at home.
The match is set to be a heated affair under the lights in Gorgie, with McInnes' return adding extra spice to an already significant fixture in the Scottish Premiership calendar.
