GIOVANNI van Bronckhorst’s unbeaten start to life as Rangers manager will face its biggest domestic test yet when he takes his team to Tynecastle in Sunday’s early kick-off.

Thursday's 1-1 draw in France with Lyon saw a much-changed XI take to the field.

Given the regularity of games over the festive period, the likes of James Tavernier, Joe Aribo and Alfredo Morelos will be expected to return for the trip East.

Here are three key talking points ahead of the match.

Overcoming the Tynecastle hoodoo 

In Steven Gerrard’s second season as Rangers manager, Hearts twice won home fixtures in the new year that had a damaging impact on the season. Losing 2-1 in January kickstarted a rotten league spell for Gerrard and co. A month on, Edinburgh was the scene of more domestic cup failure.

This of course is a new era, the squad since then has improved dramatically. But arguably the core of the side that remains still has that monkey to get off of their back.

“Same as always, a tough game and arena with a great atmosphere,” Scott Arfield commented on Friday. “If you ask anyone in Scottish football, this is the ground they want to play at in an away fixture with the stands so close.”

READ MORE: How Rangers manipulated Lyon before unleashing Connor Goldson’s deadly diagonals

Since arriving at Ibrox, Van Bronckhorst has reinvigorated the side with a fresh tactical approach. In particular, maximising one-on-one battles, increasing runs from midfield and reverting to a more traditional 4-3-3.

In what is likely to be a transition-heavy, fast-paced affair, this fixture feels perfectly suited to that alteration.

Making the right call in forward areas

It feels likely that Morelos will start as the central striker in Gorgie. Although at times under the new manager the Colombian has continued to drop deep, he has been more resemblant of the physical presence witnessed in 2019/20.

Arguably though, this could be a game suited to the pace of Fashion Sakala centrally.

The Zambian also looked electric from the left-wing against Dundee. Could he be fielded alongside Morelos and Ryan Kent?

Ianis Hagi hasn’t been at his best recently and Joe Aribo appears nailed on in the No.10 role.

A Sakala, Kent and Morelos front three would certainly appeal to the vast majority of supporters.

Remaining mindful of the opposition 

If the visiting side hit their ceiling, three points should be secured. But in approaching the game proactively, negating the opposition’s strengths will be an equally important task for Van Bronckhorst.

Calvin Bassey’s ability to step out of defence will be useful against link player Liam Boyce. As will the more reserved positioning of Borna Barisic and at times James Tavernier against Barrie McKay and Gary Mackay-Steven.

READ MORE: Borna Barisic's Rangers rebirth: How Giovanni van Bronckhorst has sparked a dramatic form upsurge

Will the approach feature two midfield ‘sitters’ instead of two No.8s? Or could Barisic tuck infield to protect against counterattacks as witnessed last weekend at Ibrox?

Hearts have been really dominant at home this season and know their system well. A back three offers solidity to play from and as covered before the reverse tie, the rotations they use between winger and full-back require attention from opponents.