Preview: Rangers vs. Hearts - prediction, team news, lineups

After a disastrous Old Firm derby, Rangers will be hoping to get straight back to winning ways as they also aim to return to the top of the Scottish Premiership after slipping into second place.

However, they welcome Hearts to Ibrox, who sit just one place below them, and the Jambos could put even more pressure onto the defending champions with a victory.

Match preview

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Rangers will be looking to put their midweek nightmare behind them on Sunday following a game that they will be quickly hoping to forget after they suffered only their second defeat of the season.

However, it was an important loss as Celtic took the bragging rights in the Old Firm derby, defeating the Gers 3-0 following an explosive first 45 minutes that took the game away from the defending champions.

The result saw the Hoops overtake them by a point, which now means Rangers are part of the chasing pack, adding further pressure onto their upcoming match as the squad must pull themselves back together in order to maintain pace in the title race.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men have not adjusted well after the winter break, dropping points in three league games now after draws against Aberdeen and Ross County, which has even allowed Hearts to close the gap to them.

Sunday now provides a major test of character for Rangers, who must get their season back on track, with a victory having the potential to take them back to the top, but only if Celtic slip up.

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The visitors have been steadily putting in impressive performances in their first season back in the top flight, and their current third place is something the squad shall be happy enough with.

While there is a 13-point gap between them and Rangers at the moment, Hearts will see this as a perfect opportunity to close that slightly as they aim to continue putting the pressure on them.

Defensively, the Jambos have been impressive this season, with only Celtic having conceded fewer goals than them, and that has been on display in their past two games where they have kept consecutive clean sheets.

However, Robbie Neilson's team were not able to break the deadlock on Tuesday when they faced Hibernian, with the two teams battling it out to a goalless draw.

They also shared the points with Rangers when they met earlier this season as a 90th-minute goal from Craig Halkett caused heartbreak for the Gers, and the Hearts squad should have the confidence to repeat that feat, or go one better this time out.

Team News

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Rangers could welcome new signing Aaron Ramsey to the pitch for the first time on Sunday if he is fit enough, with the midfielder looking to get his life in Scotland started as soon as possible.

The squad could also be boosted by the return of Alfredo Morelos, who will be finished with his international duty by the time this match rolls around, and his attacking qualities could be a big boost.

However, the Gers will still be missing Steven Davis and Filip Helander through injury, while Ianis Hagi will be out of action for the rest of the season.

Halkett remains an injury concern for Hearts, as he missed out on the recent goalless draw with a hamstring problem that will likely keep him on the sidelines this Sunday as well.

Michael Smith was also unavailable against Hibernian as he suffered a back issue which has cast a doubt over his availability for this weekend.

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic; Aribo, Kamara, Arfield; Diallo, Kent, Roofe

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Gordon; Moore, Sibbick, Kingsley; Halliday, Baningime, Devlin, Atkinson, McKay; Boyce, Simms

We say: Rangers 2-1 Hearts

Rangers have been struggling in 2022, but the heavy defeat against their rivals and the fact they have fallen off the top spot could provide the wake-up call that the team needs.

Hearts will certainly not make it easy for them, as the visitors are having a good season themselves, but the quality within the Gers should just shine through.

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