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:
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9. Mohamed Diomande - Rangers - RETURN TO STARTING XI?
The Ivorian came off the bench at half-time in the defeat to Motherwell, and will be hoping he did enough to dislodge Tochi Chukwuani from the starting XI. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. John Souttar - Rangers - DOUBT
The former Hearts defender is a slight doubt ahead of his return to Tynecastle with a niggle, but he should be fit to play. | Local Library Photo: SNS Group
11. Mikey Moore - Rangers - RETURN TO STARTING XI?
Like Tavernier and Diomande, the teenage playmaker came off the bench at half-time against Motherwell and is pushing for a recall to the starting XI at Tynecastle, after being nominated for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Season award. | PA Photo: PA
12. Ageu - Hearts - OUT
The summer signing has endured an injury-hit campaign, and won't play again this season due to a thigh issue. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group