Rangers must overcome a four point deficit inside four games if they are to be crowned Premiership champions this term. The first of those matches comes against Hearts in an eagerly-anticipated fixture at Tynecastle this evening.
The defeat to Motherwell last weekend changed the picture at the top of the table. Here, our writers assess the big calls that must result in a big win in Gorgie.
Read more:
- The one Rangers player that is a role model for Danny Rohl ahead of Hearts must-win
- Why Danny Rohl has earned another title shot even if Rangers fall short this season
Is it win or bust for Rangers?
It was noticeable that those who conducted the pre-match presser on Friday morning – Rohl, Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande – didn’t go as far as ending the title challenge if Rangers don’t win at Tynecastle. Instead, the position was that it would be very difficult for them to find a way to win the league if they don’t eat into the gap this evening. In reality, though, only a victory will do for Rohl’s side.
It is hard to see Hearts shipping four points in three matches, never mind seven. And Rangers can’t afford to give a Celtic outfit that know how to get over the line an even bigger advantage than they already have. Rohl has insisted his players still believe they can get the job done. It is now or never.
Chris Jack
Mathematically, no. A draw would require favours being dished out by Motherwell, Falkirk and/or Celtic whilst Rangers win their remaining three fixtures. However, if we're being realistic, Danny Rohl's men simply need to acquire maximum points at Tynecastle to restore some of the belief that has been eroded after the defeat to the Steelmen. Inflicting Hearts' first home league loss of the season will also be a big psychological boost for the squad heading into the Old Firm game.
Derek Clark
Does Mohamed Diomande come back in the team?
It was interesting hearing the midfielder’s comments on Friday morning as he addressed the game time – or the lack of it – that he has had of late. Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani have been the preferred partnership at the start of matches for some time now, but Diomande has made an impact when introduced. On that basis, he deserves a jersey against Hearts.
If Rohl goes with a midfield two, Chukwuani will likely be the one to drop out after two less than impressive showings against Falkirk and Motherwell. The best plan could be to go with all three of them, however. Rangers cannot afford to lose another midfield battle and adding Diomande to the mix alongside Raskin and Chukwuani could be the answer.
Chris Jack
It depends if Danny Rohl plays a 4-2-2-2 or a 4-3-3. Diomande made a positive impact when he came off the bench against Motherwell and he certainly is deserving of a place ahead of Tochi Chukwuani given his lacklustre display last time out.
He has been hit and miss when afforded opportunities but he may just give Rangers some composure on the ball in what is expected to be a blood and thunder battle in Gorgie. The Ivorian alongside Nico Raskin with Connor Barron at the base of midfield would be the route I'd be going down.
Derek Clark
Will Rangers handle the Tynecastle atmosphere?
At this stage of the season, how much comes down to mentality, character and bottle? Ask the Rangers supporters, and they will tell you just how much those qualities are required. On the outside, those traits have been questioned for some time. Rohl has repeatedly sought to affirm the fortitude of his players, speaking about the way in which they have recovered from a dreadful start to the season or shown they can come back from adversity in matches.
Until medals are won, those accusations will always be thrown at Rangers. Tynecastle will be raucous and Rohl’s side simply have to rise to the occasion and the challenge. Over to you, Rangers.
Chris Jack
That is the big question facing this team and the accusations they don't have the bottle or mentality to emerge victorious in these kinds of games. We all know Tynecastle will be raucous and with Hearts on the cusp of something historic, it'll be even more partisan than normal. But, Rangers should have enough experience in the squad to deal with that. This is a team that went to Parkhead and won not so long ago and if Bojan Miovski's goal is awarded in the last trip to the capital is given then we could be talking about a very different outcome. Ultimately, the players have to just focus on the game in hand. They need to win their individual battles and if they do that, then their quality should see them over the line.
Derek Clark
Share