The Scottish Premiership title race has taken a different turn with Heart of Midlothian and Rangers locked in a decisive table-top clash at Ibrox.
Both sides go into this game four points clear, although victory for Hearts would take them a step closer to ending the Glasgow club’s stranglehold on the Premier League.
advertise
Game preview
Rangers fans have been on an emotional roller coaster throughout the 2025/26 season. However, it is still possible for the team to win its first league title since the 2020/21 season.
The Gers started this game in poor form as they couldn’t find any rhythm or confidence under Russell Martin.
They have won just one of their first eight league games (D6, L1) and were eliminated in Champions League qualifying, which only adds to the gloom at Ibrox.
The performance is mediocre and lacks any convincing. Nothing came of it, and faith began to fade.
It didn’t take long for Rangers to waive Martin and instead hire German tactician Danny Rohr. The 36-year-old’s landing was not smooth, winning just two of his first five games in charge (L3).
advertise
Unsurprisingly, dissatisfaction began to spread at Ibrox, but unlike his predecessor, Rohr found a way to turn things around.
The German coach lost only 3 of his 22 subsequent games (14 wins, 5 draws).
A significant improvement in performances and results has also seen Rangers top the Premier League table after winning 9 of 12 league games (D2, L1).
Wanderers now sit in second place with 52 points, five behind leaders Harts.
Rohr made it clear that his side need to “seize their chances” as a win could reduce the gap to two points and turn a difficult season into a genuine title challenge.
advertise
Hearts, meanwhile, have a perfect opportunity to tighten their grip on the Premier League with three points against Rangers this weekend.
The Jambos are hoping to become the first team outside Glasgow in more than four decades to win the Premier League, with Tony Bloom’s investment playing a huge role in their title challenge.
The Brighton & Hove Albion boss has transformed Hearts’ transfer strategy, using a data-led approach to level the playing field despite spending a fraction of that of his title rivals.
Hearts centre-back Craig Hackett made it clear his side will be “trying to win the game” on Sunday and claimed the Jambo side will go into the game with the same mentality as they have for other games.
advertise
A win would extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points, giving them real breathing space as they enter the run-in period, a result that could spur them on to a title bid.
However, Hearts have struggled in recent weeks, with Derek McInnes’ side winning just two of their last five games.
That campaign saw one defeat and two draws, including a penalty shootout defeat to Falkirk.
Hearts have suffered a dip in form after a string of excellent results, having won 19 of their previous 27 games but lost just two (six draws).
Still, Hearts will enter the ranks of potential title contenders with confidence after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Hibernian in midweek.
advertise
Thomas Magnussen’s last-gasp goal keeps their title challenge alive and could inspire further confidence ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clash with Rangers.
Their away form also provides comfort. No team in the Scottish Premiership has scored more points on the road this season.
When they last visited Ibrox, Laurence Shankland’s double earned them a 2-0 victory, proving they can cope with the situation.
Team news
The Rangers will be without Bailey Rice, Connor Barron, Derek Cornelius and Max Aarons due to injury concerns.
Hearts will also be without Callum Niuwenhoff, Cameron Devlin, Finlay Pollock, Shankland and Stephen Kingsley due to injury.
