Rangers Aiming to Rebound Against Hearts
Rangers will have their eyes set on bouncing back to their winning form when they face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership at Tynecastle Park on Sunday. The Gers, known for their resurgent performances and dominant displays, saw their three-game winning streak come to an abrupt halt with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup recently. This setback will no doubt fuel their determination to prove their mettle against a spirited Hearts side. The match is not only a test of Rangers’ resilience but also a crucial battle in the league standings, as both teams vie for higher positions.
Hearts on a Winning Streak
Conversely, Hearts are riding a wave of positive momentum, having extended their winning run across all competitions to four games with a penalty shootout victory over St. Mirren in the Scottish Cup. The team’s spirits are high, and their recent form suggests they are more than capable of giving Rangers a tough time. This home game at Tynecastle Park will be an excellent opportunity for Hearts to showcase their improved tactics and cohesion, potentially capitalizing on the Gers’ recent stumble.
How to Watch in the U.S.
If you’re in the U.S. and eager to catch the action, this Scottish Premiership match will be live on CBS Sports Network. For those who prefer streaming services, Fubo and Paramount+ offer excellent options, including a free trial for new users. Fubo is currently running a special offer, allowing new subscribers to try the service for as low as $59.99 for the first month, saving $25. This deal provides access to a wide array of channels, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 other top channels, all without the need for a cable subscription.
Match Kickoff Times
The clash at Tynecastle Park kicks off at 12:00 p.m. local time in Edinburgh, Scotland. For fans in the U.S., the game times vary by region:
- Eastern Time: 7:00 a.m.
- Central Time: 6:00 a.m.
- Mountain Time: 5:00 a.m.
- Pacific Time: 4:00 a.m.
These early morning hours might be challenging, but for die-hard supporters, the excitement of watching the match live is well worth the early wake-up call.
Team Lineups and News
Rangers are expected to field a strong lineup to make a statement after their recent cup disappointment. However, they will be without the services of defenders Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, both sidelined due to injury. The predicted Rangers XI (4-5-1, right to left) includes: Butland (GK), Jefte, Nsiala, Souttar, Tavernier; Raskin, Diomande, Hagi, Bajrami, Cerny; and up front, Igamane.
Similarly, Hearts will have to do without Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley, both suffering from hamstring injuries, and Frankie Kent, who is dealing with a muscle problem. The predicted Hearts XI (4-4-2, right to left) features: Gordon (GK), Penrice, McCart, Neilson, Forrester; Baningime, Devlin, Spittal, Drammeh; and the attacking duo of Kabangu and Shankland. Both teams will need to navigate these absences strategically to ensure they field their best possible lineups.
Match Prediction
While Rangers boast an impressive record, being unbeaten in their last 17 games against Hearts—winning 13 and drawing four—it seems the hosts are in a prime position to break this streak. Hearts’ current form, marked by their recent penalty shootout win over St. Mirren, indicates they are in peak condition and ready to challenge the Gers. The prediction for this match leans towards a narrow victory for Hearts, with a 2-1 scoreline. This forecast is based on the hosts’ strong recent performances and the potential impact of the injuries on both sides.
Scottish Premiership Fixtures This Week
The Scottish Premiership is in full swing this week, with several other matches preceding the Rangers vs. Hearts clash:
- Saturday, February 15:
- Celtic vs. Dundee United (10:00 a.m. ET)
- Dundee FC vs. Aberdeen (10:00 a.m. ET)
- Kilmarnock vs. St. Johnstone (10:00 a.m. ET)
- Motherwell vs. Ross County (10:00 a.m. ET)
- Sunday, February 16:
- Hearts vs. Rangers (7:00 a.m. ET)
- St. Mirren vs. Hibernian (9:00 a.m. ET)
Each of these matches promises to be a thrilling encounter, adding to the excitement of the Scottish football weekend. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional heavyweights or the up-and-coming sides, there’s plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat.
