Rangers could find themselves seven points adrift of Celtic should they slip up at Tynecastle tonight, as the title race enters a pivotal phase. Derek McInnes makes his first return to the capital since leaving Hearts, with his new side aiming to close the gap on the league leaders.
McInnes Returns to Gorgie
McInnes' Hearts side ended Rangers' title tilt at Tynecastle last season, beating them after the split to eliminate Danny Rohl's team from the title fight. Now the former Jambos boss leads the Light Blues against his old club, with a potential seven-point deficit looming if results go against them.
Craig Dunbar, Paisley, predicts a big win for the visitors. He said: "It’s going to be a hostile night for McInnes as he makes his return to Gorgie but I really think Rangers will get a result at Tynecastle."
"Although I expect Hearts to create chances and possibly score, they will also give up chances and I reckon Rangers, with the superior firepower up front, will be the difference. I’ll go 2-1 to Rangers. McInnes needs to go with two up front again and hopefully this is the moment for Minsu Kim to break his duck."
Celtic's Domestic Resilience
Gavin MacLeod, London, said: "Who would have thought we’d even be talking about a title race at Hallowe'en after the horror start McInnes had? Martin O’Neill’s Celtic have been poor but domestically, they keep getting the job done so unless McInnes can get Rangers doing the same, the race will end the way it started at Ibrox."
Celtic edged past Hibs 2-1 in wet conditions at Easter Road. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: "I’m not saying that conditions were farcical on Sunday but in all my years of attending watching Celtic at Easter Road, that’s the first time I’d had a sand bag tied to my back."
Mulhern added: "I certainly don’t agree with Martin O’Neill saying it was our best performance so far having just destroyed Hearts the week before. But for Cameron Carter-Vickers' goal-line clearance, we would have dropped valuable points. The defender is the glue who holds the backline together and if he’s benched against Dundee United on Wednesday, it will be clear that O’Neill sees his future elsewhere."
Hearts' Slump and Wider Concerns
For the hosts, it was a third defeat on the spin for Marink Reedijk, with Neil Renton, Leith, groaning: "Another Hibs game, another loss for the club. It’s been so long since we won at Easter Road the fans can’t remember how to celebrate a victory. But I’m fully confident it won’t be long until we turn a corner and have something to cheer about."
Gary Clark said: "I watched a lot of footy over the weekend and the difference in standard between the Scottish and English top flights is massive. The gulf in class is huge, the EPL is all power, pace, skill and precision while the SPFL’s version of football is almost like a different sport. I believe the standard of player in our top division is at an all-time low with no real plan from our top sides and the SFA to address this major issue."
