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:
13. Calem Nieuwenhof - Hearts - OUT
The Australian has been ruled out for a number of months with a long-term hamstring injury, but is hoping to make a return before the end of the campaign. The clash with Rangers will come too soon, though. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
14. Finlay Pollock - Hearts - OUT
The youngster has missed a number of months with a troublesome hamstring problem and won't be available for the game against Rangers. Will potentially be involved before the season ends, however. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
15. Bailey Rice - Rangers - OUT
The teenager has played just once for Rangers this season due to a long standing muscle issue. Unlikely to play again this season, and is out of contract at Ibrox in the summer. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
16. Christian Borchgrevink - Hearts - DOUBT
The Norwegian full-back is struggling with a hamstring issue ahead of the clash at Tynecastle. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group