When Hearts were docked 15 points for entering administration at the beginning of last season, it allowed them to begin planning for life in the Championship. With the squad they had to work with it was unlikely they could turn that around and remain in the top flight. It appears to have been a positive in the long run, however, as the younger players who were afforded an opportunity last season have used that experience to great effect in the second tier. They currently lead the table by six points, just over a third of the way into the season, which, in a league that features Rangers and their Edinburgh rivals, Hibs, equates to an excellent start for Robbie Neilson, who was only appointed as manager in the summer.
Everybody will be familiar with the turmoil that has occurred at Rangers over the last couple of seasons but they are well on their way to returning to the Scottish Premiership after successive promotions. It’s hardly been scintillating under Ally McCoist but he will argue that he is in a no lose situation due to the resources that the club have compared to the other clubs in the lower reaches of Scottish football. This season has proved the most problematic on the league front as evidenced by the six point deficit they have to make up. Having already lost to Hearts this season, this weekend’s trip to Tynecastle has the potential to be a hugely significant game in their season.
The board, management and playing squad have all changed dramatically in the last two years at Hearts but one thing that has not changed is how difficult a place Tynecastle for opponents. They have won all six of their home games, scoring 22 and conceding four. They remain unbeaten in the league as a whole, are joint top scorers and have the best defensive record in the league – all of which cements their place at the top of the table.
The criticism often levelled at Rangers, and McCoist, is the quality of football they have endured since being demoted. Despite having the second highest wage bill in the country and a playing squad to match, they have struggled against teams of a much lesser ability. That has been the case at times in the last couple of seasons but now they face a credible challenge from Hearts, their performances are under even more scrutiny, and that added pressure looks to be weighing heavily on many of the Rangers’ players.
Games between Edinburgh and Glasgow clubs are often feisty affairs and this one has even more meaning due to the two clubs challenging for one automatic promotion spot. It would be unthinkable for Rangers to be trailing by nine points should they lose this game but it’s a very real possibility. Hearts have been so consistent and it’s hard to see their great run coming to an end here.
Hearts 8/5 @ William Hill
