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:
1. Tuur Rommens - Rangers - DOUBT
The Belgian left-back has missed several weeks with a muscle issue, but head coach Danny Rohl is hopeful of having him available for the crucial clash at Tynecastle. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Oisin McEntee - Hearts - OUT
The versatile midfielder will play no further part in Hearts' season after picking up a hamstring injury earlier this month. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Harry Milne - Hearts - DOUBT
The left-back has been missing for numerous weeks, and failed in his race to be fit for the game against Hibs last weekend. Hopeful of a return to the team for the game against Rangers at Tynecastle on Monday. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Ryan Naderi - Rangers - OUT
The German striker is facing a race to be fit before the end of the season after developing a muscle issue in the win over Dundee United earlier this month. | PA Photo: PA