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

The visitors head into this match after two games without a victory, with several teams currently chasing down their top-four position.

Match preview

Rangers picked up a point in the Europa League on Thursday night in a goalless draw against Sparta Prague which continued Clement's unbeaten start to life in charge of the the Gers.

His first game in the Ibrox dugout went perfectly last weekend as his team defeated Hibernian 4-0 following a brace from Abdallah Sima and goals by Nicolas Raskin and Cyriel Dessers.

That result helped Rangers maintain the pressure on Celtic at the top of the league, but with a seven-point gap between them right now there is plenty of work needed to be done.

The Gers have had mixed results at home so far with three wins and two defeats, but they have showcased no shortage of confidence when it comes to scoring goals throughout those matches.

Rangers have scored 10 times in those five fixtures, and after consecutive clean sheets, the team will be full of belief at both ends of the pitch.

That is something that the visitors might be lacking from a defensive perspective, particularly after conceding four times last weekend when they were beaten 4-1 by Celtic.

Lawrence Shankland's goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation on the day, and the key for the Jambos is now being able to recover from that.

Hearts drew their previous match against Hibernian, and after two games in a row without a victory, the pressure has begun mounting from those below them.

Five teams could end up overtaking the Jambos this weekend if they are unable to pick up three points, showcasing the closeness in the division at the moment.

A big issue for Hearts has been a lack of goals, having only scored three times in four away games to this point, but the fact they have conceded just twice on the road should lead to them making life difficult for the Gers.

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

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Rangers form (all competitions):

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Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

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Hearts form (all competitions):

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Team News

From a defensive perspective, there are likely to be no changes made by Clement this weekend after his team has picked up clean sheets in both his games in charge.

Borna Barisic was unavailable for the Gers in midweek due to injury, and it is unlikely that he will have recovered in time, meaning he will miss out once again.

Hearts also have a new injury problem to deal with for this game as Stephen Kingsley is currently on the sidelines due to a groin problem.

On top of that Craig Gordon remains a long-term absentee while Craig Halkett, Barrie McKay and Nathaniel Atkinson are also on the treatment table.

However, the Jambos were able to welcome Alex Cochrane back to the starting lineup after he returned to full fitness, and he should retain his place in the team this weekend.

Rangers possible starting lineup:

Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Goldson, Davies; Raskin, Lundstram, Sima, Lammers, Cantwell; Dessers

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Clark; Sibbick, Kent, Rowles, Cochrane; Nieuwenhof, Devlin; Forrest, Lowry, Vargas; Shankland

We say: Rangers 3-0 Hearts

Rangers can ill afford to slip up at the moment if they want to keep the pressure on Celtic at the top of the division, and that is why they are expected to take all three points.

The Gers have been impressive when it comes to their attacking qualities, meanwhile Hearts are struggling at the back which could prove to be their undoing.

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