Having won 2-0 at Ibrox in September, Heart of Midlothian are seeking back-to-back victories over Rangers for the first time since 2020, the Gers winning 14 of their 17 encounters during this period.
In fact, the Light Blues are unbeaten in nine visits to Tynecastle, winning seven of them, their longest undefeated sequence in Gorgie for two decades.
Victory for Hearts here would see them become the first team since Dundee 40 years ago to win four successive matches against the Old Firm.
Hearts vs Rangers preview
Heart of Midlothian have not been crowned Scottish champions since 1960, while no side outside the Old Firm has won the title since Sir Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen in 1985, but a victory here would underline the growing belief that this could be the year. A fortnight ago, the Jambos asserted their title credentials by beating Celtic 2-1 at Parkhead, with Cláudio Braga breaking the deadlock on the cusp of half time, before Oisin McEntee scored a spectacular second half header.
Then, last Saturday night, Derek McInnes' side battled to a 2-0 victory over Falkirk in the pouring rain, with Braga again opening the scoring, before Stephen Kingsley made the points secure. That made it back-to-back wins for the Jambos, despite having won only one of six Premiership outings beforehand. So, as the crisis as Celtic continues, Hearts remain six points clear at the top, thereby guaranteed to be the Christmas number one for the first time in 34 years. Thus, this clash, as well as next Saturday's Edinburgh derby, will be two stern litmus tests of Hearts' title aspirations.
As for Rangers, despite their disastrous start to the season, victory in the capital could see them end the day level on points with their fierce rivals; Celtic face Aberdeen later on Sunday. After winning only one of their first eight Premiership matches, things have improved under Danny Röhl, collecting 20 points out of a possible 24 since his arrival. The Gers were last in action on Monday night, battling to a 1-0 victory over Hibs at Ibrox, with Emmanuel Fernandez's first half header the difference.
So, having been marooned in mid-table not so long ago, the Light Blues would move to within six points of the leaders if they're able to win this one, thereby very much propelling themselves back into the title race. Despite all their trials and tribulations, Rangers have only lost once in the league thus far, this coming when Hearts visited Govan in September. So now, can the Gers burst the bubble of optimism in Gorgie, or will Hearts claim a statement victory at Tynecastle on Sunday?
Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 135.
- Heart of Midlothian Wins: 22. Draws: 24. Rangers Wins: 89.
Hearts team news
Left-back Harry Milne is suspended, having collected his sixth yellow card of the campaign against Celtic, while winger Pierre Landry Kaboré has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Meantime, Calem Nieuwenhof, Beni Baningime, Ageu and Finlay Pollock are all injured.
So, last weekend's scorer Stephen Kingsley will come into defence, while Blair Spittal could return in place of Oisin McEntee at the base of midfield. Wingers Cláudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis provide much of the threat in Derek McInnes' team.
Heart of Midlothian predicted lineup vs Rangers: (4-5-1): Schwolow; Steinwender, Halkett, Findlay, Kingsley; Devlin, Spittal, Magnússon, Kyziridis, Braga; Shankland.
Hearts player to watch vs Rangers
Lawrence Shankland remains Hearts' main man for goals, netting 11 times so far this season, so can he add to his seven career goals against Rangers?
Rangers team news
Danny Röhl is very short of centre-backs, given that first-choice pairing Derek Cornelius and John Souttar are injured, while Nasser Djiga is at AFCON. So, Monday night match-winner Emmanuel Fernandez is likely to be partnered by Clinton Nsiala, a very makeshift pairing.
Both Max Aarons and Dujon Sterling started against Hibs, the latter doing so for the first time since 4 April following achilles tendon surgery, but will club captain James Tavernier return for this one?
Further forward, Nicolas Raskin will surely be restored to midfield, while Oliver Antman and Bojan Miovski are sidelined, so Youssef Chermiti will continue to lead the line, chosen over Danilo.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Heart of Midlothian: (4-2-3-1): Butland; Tavernier, Nsiala, Fernandez, Meghoma; Raskin, Diomandé, Sterling, Moore, Gassama; Chermiti.
Rangers player to watch vs Hearts
Djeidi Gassama has six Rangers goals to his name, his only one in the Premiership coming at Dens Park last month, but he appears to be among their most-likely match-winners.
Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers prediction
We are backing league-leaders Hearts to win this one, simply appearing stronger than a depleted Rangers right now, thereby reinforcing their title credentials: Heart of Midlothian 2-1 Rangers.
Hearts vs Rangers FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Football & Ultra HD.
- USA: CBS Sports Network & Paramount+
- Austra: beIN Sports 1
How to watch Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Australia:beIN Sports Connect
What is the date and kick-off time for Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers in the Scottish Premiership?
Heart of Midlothian vs Rangers takes place on Sunday 21 December 2025, with kick off at 13:30 (GMT), 8:30 (ET) & 5:30 (PT).