Hearts host Rangers in the Scottish Premiership this weekend, hoping to boost their chances of qualifying for European football next season.
The Jambos come into this match in good spirits, having won seven of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Match preview
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The hosts have had quite a turnaround over the last few months, as their form has majorly improved since Steven Naismith was replaced by Neil Critchley in the dugout at Tynecastle Park in October.
After losing five of their first 10 games under their new boss, Hearts have notably picked up form since the turn of the year.
The club have only lost once in their last 11 matches in all competitions and have yet to suffer defeat in 2025, with a goalless draw at Aberdeen last month being their only dropped points this year.
However, they were given a scare in the Scottish Cup on Monday evening, as a late equaliser from Calem Nieuwenhof prevented the Jambos from exiting the competition away to St Mirren.
The Jam Tarts managed to progress to the quarter-finals on penalties, to continue their excellent form ahead of this weekend's clash against Rangers.
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Unlike their hosts this weekend, Rangers were left ruing their misfortune from the penalty spot last time out, as they suffered a humiliating defeat at home to Queen's Park in the Scottish Cup.
The Gers looked like they were going to get out of jail when they were awarded a penalty in the dying stages of the match, but James Tavernier was denied from the spot by the excellent Calum Ferrie.
The defeat was a real shock for Rangers, given that Queen's Park became just the second team to beat them at Ibrox all season - with Ligue 1 side Lyon the only other side to do so.
Considering that they have the best home record in the league, the fact that they are 13 points behind Celtic in the table demonstrates how much Rangers have struggled on the road this season.
The visitors have gained 16 points from their away matches in the league this season, which is good enough to be the third-best away record in the division.
However, defending champions Celtic have won double the amount of points away from home, having only played one more game on their travels than their rivals.
The difference in their away records has left a big gap between the two sides in the table, and realistically, it has left Rangers with only the Europa League left to compete for in terms of silverware this season.
The visitors have lost just once in their last 15 league matches, but draws at Motherwell, Hibernian and Dundee either side of the new year were damaging, as they failed to build on the momentum from their 3-0 triumph against Celtic in early January.
Their difficult season has led to the pressure being piled on manager Philippe Clement, who has faced speculation surrounding his future all season.
For now, Rangers are standing by the Belgian boss, but following their shock cup exit, any more surprising defeats could lead to his dismissal.
Therefore, it is important that they get back to winning ways this weekend, at a venue that they dropped points at on the opening weekend of the season, as the two sides played out a goalless draw back in August.
However, Rangers got the better of Critchley's men in their last meeting with Hearts, as the Gers claimed all three points in a 1-0 victory at Ibrox in November, courtesy of a goal from Cyriel Dessers.
Team News
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Hearts defender Craig Halkett is out for this clash due to a hamstring injury, while Stephen Kingsley also remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Elsewhere, Frankie Kent (muscle) is not expected to return to action just yet, with the defender due back in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Dujon Sterling, as he continues his recovery from a foot injury.
Fellow defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo is also ruled out for this contest due to a knee injury.
Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Penrice, McCart, Neilson, Forrester; Baningime, Devlin, Spittal, Drammeh; Kabangu, Shankland
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Jefte, Nsiala, Souttar, Tavernier; Raskin, Diomande, Hagi, Bajrami, Cerny; Igamane
We say: Hearts 1-0 Rangers
The pressure is beginning to mount on Clement at Ibrox, and Rangers really do not look the same side when they play away from home.
Hearts are in good form, and we think that they can take advantage of the situation to claim an important three points at the weekend.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Tom Humphrey
