The biggest game of the Scottish Premiership season so far, Hearts clash with Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday afternoon with just four points separating the teams at the top of the table as they approach the final stretch.
Derek McInnes’ side have been top of the division for the bulk of the campaign, though they head into tonight’s game in the capital level on points with Celtic after their 2-1 win over Hibs on Sunday.
With Hearts above their title rivals and several players named in the PFA Team of the Season, many have attested that the Jambos are simply a better side than the Light Blues. But which players would make a combined Hearts and Rangers starting XI, based on their displays during the 25/26 season?
Here, the Scotsman took a look at the XI players who would make up the combined Hearts and Rangers XI:
1. GK: Alexander Schwolow - Hearts
While Jack Butland has had a strong season of his own, Schwolow edges him slightly in the season's stats. While his save percentage is marginally lower than his Rangers compatriot (73.8 per cent to 73.4 per cent), he's kept 13 clean sheets this season, which is one more than Butland. It's tight, but the Hearts goalkeeper gets the nod. | SNS Group
2. RB: James Tavernier - Rangers
The Rangers skipper has his detractors and hasn't played as often as he'd have liked this season, but his numbers are still hugely impressive. He's created more chances than any other full-back in the division, scoring eight goals and assisting four in 23 starts. | SNS Group
3. CB: Craig Halkett - Hearts
A lynchpin at the centre of defence for the Jambos this season, Halkett has been one the league's most impressive performers. He's won more aerial duels than 98 per cent of other defenders, while he's also chipped into with four goals. | SNS Group
4. CB: Emmanuel Fernandez - Rangers
One of the first names on Danny Rohl's team sheet since his appointment in October, the Nigerian international was bought for a bargain £2.5million. Linked to Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, he has seen value rocket above the £20million mark. | SNS Group