Hearts will aim to take a huge leap towards the title as they welcome third-placed Rangers to Tynecastle in a mammoth Scottish Premiership clash on Monday afternoon (kick-off: 5.30pm).
Three points clear of Celtic at the top of the league, Derek McInnes’ men are tantalisingly close to sealing their first Scottish league title in 65 years after a late 2-1 victory against rivals Hibs at Easter Road this week. However, Rangers, who are four points adrift of the Jambos, remain desperate to topple them as we approach the final stretch of games.
Danny Rohl’s side hit a major speedbump in their quest to claim the title themselves by losing 3-2 at home to Motherwell last Sunday, and a defeat at Tynecastle is likely to extend their trophy drought into a second season.
The pressure will be on for both teams, though, with Martin O’Neill’s Celtic able to go top of the table temporarily if they can beat Hibs in the capital 24 hours earlier.
Ahead of the game at Tynecastle, The Scotsman has all the early team news:
5. Cammy Devlin - Hearts - DOUBT
The talismanic Australian missed last weekend's 2-1 derby day win over Hibs with a strain, but is hopeful of being fit for the visit of Rangers on Monday. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. James Tavernier - Rangers - RETURN TO STARTING XI?
The skipper came off the bench in the weekend defeat to Motherwell, and will be targeting a return to the Rangers starting XI at Tynecastle. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Tomas Magnusson - Hearts - OUT
The imposing Icelandic midfielder is out for the rest of the season with a thigh injury, and will play no part against Rangers. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Craig Gordon - Hearts - OUT
The 43-year-old goalkeeper remains out with a shoulder issue, but is hoping to return before the end of the campaign. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group