Hearts vs Rangers — Match Preview
A massive top-of-the-table clash erupts at a sold-out Tynecastle Park on Sunday, 21 December 2025. Heart of Midlothian are enjoying a dream season, sitting top of the Scottish Premiership with 38 points. They come into this game fresh off a monumental 2–1 victory away at Celtic and a solid 2–0 win over Falkirk. Rangers, sitting 3rd with 29 points, are fighting to stay in the title race. Trailing the Jambos by 9 points, Philippe Clement’s side cannot afford to lose. A win for Hearts would send a shockwave through Scottish football, potentially establishing them as genuine title favorites.
Hearts vs Rangers — Match Info
- Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 18)
- Venue: Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh (Capacity: 19,852)
- Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025
- Kickoff: 12:00 GMT
- Referee: TBC (SFA Appointment)
Hearts vs Rangers — Match Stakes
Hearts (1st — 38 pts):
- Win → Moves to 41 pts; opens a staggering 12-point gap over Rangers
- Draw → Maintains the healthy lead; keeps the unbeaten home momentum
- Loss → Gap narrows to 6 points; gives the Old Firm hope of catching them
Rangers (3rd — 29 pts):
- Win → Moves to 32 pts; drags them back into the title conversation
- Draw → Leaves them 9 points adrift; not enough to pressure the leaders
- Loss → Title hopes severely dented before Christmas; pressure mounts on the manager
Hearts vs Rangers — Team News
Hearts:
- Baningime B. — Out (Hamstring Injury – Key Midfielder)
- Nieuwenhof C. — Out (Calf Injury)
- Kabore P. — Out (International Duty)
- Pollock F. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Ageu — Out (Hamstring Injury)
Rangers:
- Souttar J. — Out (Muscle Injury – Huge miss against former club)
- Cornelius D. — Out (Muscle Injury)
- Djiga N. — Out (International Duty)
- Bajrami N. — Out (Injury)
- Antman O. — Out (Muscle Injury)
- Miovski B. — Questionable (Inactive/Fitness)
- Matondo R. — Questionable (Knee Injury)
Hearts vs Rangers — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Hearts
- 14/12 — 2–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
- 07/12 — 2–1 vs Celtic (Premiership)
- 04/12 — 1–1 vs Kilmarnock (Premiership)
- 29/11 — 0–0 vs Motherwell (Premiership)
- 23/11 — 0–1 vs Aberdeen (Premiership)
Rangers
- 16/12 — 1–0 vs Hibernian (Premiership)
- 11/12 — 1–2 vs Ferencváros (Europa League)
- 07/12 — 3–0 vs Kilmarnock (Premiership)
- 04/12 — 2–2 vs Dundee United (Premiership)
- 30/11 — 0–0 vs Falkirk (Premiership)
Hearts vs Rangers — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 13/09/2025 — Rangers 0–2 Hearts (Premiership)
- 16/02/2025 — Hearts 1–3 Rangers (Premiership)
- 10/11/2024 — Rangers 1–0 Hearts (Premiership)
- 03/08/2024 — Hearts 0–0 Rangers (Premiership)
- 18/05/2024 — Hearts 3–3 Rangers (Premiership)
Hearts vs Rangers — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Hearts (4-2-3-1)
Gordon; Oyegoke, Kent, Rowles, Penrice; Devlin, Spittal; Oda, Shankland, Vargas; Boyce
Rangers (4-3-3)
Butland; Tavernier, Balogun, Propper, Jefte; Barron, Diomande, Lawrence; Cerny, Dessers, Cortes
Hearts vs Rangers — Impact Bench
Hearts: Forrest (Pace), Grant (Set-pieces)
Rangers: Igamane (Power), Sterling (Versatility)
Hearts vs Rangers — Tactical Analysis
Hearts
Neil Critchley’s side is flying. The victory at Celtic Park proved they can handle the big occasion. Without Baningime, Cammy Devlin will need to do the dirty work in midfield. Hearts will look to press Rangers high, utilizing the intense Tynecastle atmosphere. Lawrence Shankland dropping deep to link play with Kenneth Vargas will be their main attacking route.
Rangers
Rangers are in a defensive crisis. Missing three center-backs (Souttar, Cornelius, Djiga) is a nightmare scenario visiting the league leaders. They will likely have to field a makeshift defense, perhaps relying on Leon Balogun’s experience. Rangers must protect this backline by dominating possession, but their midfield has looked sluggish recently. They need to get the ball wide to Vaclav Cerny quickly to stretch Hearts.
Hearts vs Rangers — Key Battles
- Shankland vs Balogun — The league’s best striker vs a veteran defender
- Devlin vs Diomande — Fiery midfield battle expected
- Vargas vs Tavernier — Hearts winger attacking the space behind Rangers’ captain
- Gordon vs Dessers — Hearts keeper needs to be alert to chances
Hearts vs Rangers — Spotlight Players
Hearts — Lawrence Shankland
The captain leads by example. In a season where Hearts are genuine contenders, these are the games where Shankland thrives. His hold-up play and finishing could be the difference.
Rangers — James Tavernier
With the defense decimated by injuries, the captain’s leadership is needed more than ever. He must ensure the backline stays organized and provide his usual threat from set-pieces.
Hearts vs Rangers — Prediction
Hearts 2–1 Rangers
Momentum is everything. Hearts are top of the league, confident, and playing at home. Rangers are plagued by defensive injuries and have been inconsistent on the road. The “Maroon Machine” looks unstoppable right now, and they should have enough to edge a thrilling contest.
Hearts vs Rangers — Betting Insights
- Hearts to Win (Draw No Bet) — High Value
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Over 4.5 Cards — Highly Likely (Fiery atmosphere)
Hearts vs Rangers — Where to Watch
- UK: Sky Sports Football / Main Event
- International: RangersTV / HeartsTV (Outside UK)
Hearts vs Rangers — FAQs
Q: When is the Hearts vs Rangers match?
A: The match kicks off on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at 12:00 GMT.
Q: Why are Rangers missing so many defenders?
A: John Souttar and Derek Cornelius are injured, while N. Djiga is on international duty.
Q: Are Hearts really top of the league?
A: Yes, Hearts are currently 1st, 9 points clear of Rangers.
Q: Who won the last meeting?
A: Hearts won 2–0 at Ibrox in September 2025.
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