Recap
Hearts are a shadow of the team they were last season, with the departure of several key players significantly weakening the squad. Although they have stabilized their performances in recent weeks and climbed to third place in the standings, they face a difficult challenge with numerous absences ahead of this fixture. Head coach Vrancken will be without McEntee (7/1), Findlay (7/0), Milne (6/0), Borchgrevink (5/0), Spittal (4/0), Ageu (2/0), Renaud (1/1) and captain Halkett.
Rangers is enjoying a phenomenal run, having recorded eight victories and one draw in their last nine matches. Their recent success includes two victories over Celtic, in both the league and the League Cup, further strengthening their confidence and belief. Rangers will be eager to demonstrate that they have firmly re-established themselves among the leading contenders for the Scottish Premiership title.