Derek McInnes returns to Tynecastle for the first time since leaving Hearts for Rangers as the Ibrox side visit Gorgie on Wednesday night, with a win potentially opening a seven-point gap over the hosts.
McInnes faces hostile return to former club
McInnes was minutes from becoming a Hearts legend last season, but now he is braced for hostilities on his first trip back to the capital since departing. Rangers know a victory could stretch their lead over Hearts, while at the very least preventing Celtic from moving further away.
To achieve that, they must do what no side has managed in league duty for over 18 months: win at Tynecastle. That record was largely built under McInnes, and successor Wouter Vrancken has maintained it, with his team scoring 13 goals in the process.
Hearts depleted for Tynecastle clash
McInnes will be the focus of much of the ire from the stands, though former Jambos skipper Lawrence Shankland is out through injury, as is Cammy Devlin, which could cool the temperature slightly.
Hearts are heavily depleted in midfield and at the back. Even after getting back on track with a 2-0 win at Motherwell on Sunday, this test may prove too big for Vrancken's side, who were also far too open in a heavy defeat at Celtic Park last week.
Writers back Rangers for narrow win
Keith Jackson believes Rangers are looking strong in all areas of the pitch and, with creative sparks Minsu Kim and Badredine Bouanani on the flanks, should have enough to edge the win, predicting Hearts 1 Rangers 2.
Michael Gannon expects Rangers to let Hearts have the ball and pick the Jambos off, also forecasting Hearts 1 Rangers 2. Robbie Copeland backs the away side for a narrow victory given their form in big domestic occasions, predicting Hearts 1 Rangers 2.
Andy Newport expects Rangers to exploit the defensive frailties that have hampered Hearts in most encounters with top opposition, again going for Hearts 1 Rangers 2. Gavin Berry says dropped points in Gorgie would crank up pressure on Rangers in the title race, but backs them to edge a tight affair by a single goal, Hearts 0 Rangers 1.
Ross Pilcher, however, sees a draw, predicting Hearts 2 Rangers 2, noting the Jambos are very strong at home and the McInnes factor gives the occasion an extra edge.
