Hearts manager Neil Critchley is expecting a strong response from Rangers in this weekend’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle. With Hearts currently on an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak in the league, Critchley acknowledges that Philippe Clement’s side will arrive in Edinburgh with a point to prove following their shocking Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Queen’s Park last week.

Rangers, who were strong favorites to progress in the cup, were left humiliated after losing to the Championship side. The result sent shockwaves through the Scottish football world and increased the pressure on Clement, with the Belgian manager now under significant scrutiny as Rangers look to avoid further setbacks. Anything but a victory at Tynecastle will only intensify the calls for improvement, making this match a pivotal moment in Rangers’ season.

Hearts’ injury concerns ahead of the game

While Hearts have been one of the most in-form teams in the league recently, they face a selection headache going into this match, with several key players missing through injury. The Jambos could be without as many as six players, significantly impacting their defensive options.

One of the biggest blows for Hearts is the absence of Frankie Kent, who has been out of action since December due to a muscle tear. The Australian defender was a crucial part of the team’s backline before his injury, and his continued absence will be felt against a Rangers team desperate to respond after last week’s humiliation.

Another major loss is Craig Halkett, the former Rangers defender, who sustained a hamstring injury against Kilmarnock last month and is not expected to recover in time for Sunday’s match. His experience and defensive stability will be sorely missed.

Stephen Kingsley, who at one point was linked with a move to Rangers, has also been struggling with injury problems this season. The left-back underwent surgery for a hamstring injury sustained in December and has only just returned to the training pitch. However, this game comes too soon for him, and he will not be available for selection.

In midfield, Aidan Denholm is another player ruled out due to a hamstring issue, further depleting Hearts’ squad options.

Beyond those confirmed absentees, there are also doubts over two other key players. Midfielder Cammy Devlin suffered a concussion in Hearts’ Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren and remains a doubt for the weekend. The club is taking a cautious approach to his recovery, and a late decision will be made on his availability.

Meanwhile, defender Lewis Neilson, who previously spent time on loan at St Johnstone, is also a doubt due to a dead leg. Hearts will be hoping to have him available, but as of now, his status remains uncertain.

Rangers also dealing with injury concerns

While Hearts are dealing with their own injury troubles, Rangers do not have their own injury issues to seek. Philippe Clement’s squad has also been hit with setbacks ahead of this critical match.

Defender Leon Balogun and midfielder Connor Barron have both been missing since Rangers’ Europa League defeat to Manchester United. Their continued absence leaves Rangers with fewer options in defense and midfield, areas where they have already been struggling in recent weeks.

Another key absentee is Dujon Sterling, who has not featured in a Rangers shirt since early January. His versatility would have been valuable for Clement, particularly given the importance of squad depth at this stage of the season.

In attack, South American duo Oscar Cortes and Danilo are also major doubts for the match. Cortes, who joined Rangers on loan from Lens, has struggled with injuries since arriving in Glasgow, and his fitness issues have prevented him from making the impact many had hoped for.

Brazilian striker Danilo, on the other hand, is closer to making a return, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to play a role on Sunday. Given Rangers’ attacking struggles, having him available would be a boost, but Clement will have to assess whether he is ready to contribute at full capacity.

A crucial match with high stakes

With both teams facing injury concerns, this match could be decided by which squad is better able to cope with their absentees. Hearts will be looking to maintain their excellent league form and continue their push for a strong finish in the Premiership. Meanwhile, Rangers are under enormous pressure to bounce back from last week’s embarrassment and keep the title race alive.

A win for Hearts would further dent Rangers’ title hopes and increase the scrutiny on Philippe Clement. For Rangers, anything other than three points could cause a crisis at Ibrox, making this one of the most important matches of their season.

The game is set to take place on Sunday at Tynecastle, and with so much on the line for both teams, it promises to be a fiercely contested battle.