Robbie Neilson has named his Hearts team for today’s crucial Premiership match against Rangers.
The Jambos have the chance to leapfrog their rivals into second place if they can secure a resounding win at Tynecastle. Hearts remain unbeaten at home in the league this season and a 3-0 win today would see them overtake the Ibrox club, and sitting just two points behind leaders Celtic.
Hearts boss Neilson has opted for a strong line up, with a front three of Shankland, Forrest and McKay spearheading the attack. Craig Gordon will look to continue his sensational form after his Scotland heroics midweek. The stopper will start alongside Stephen Kingsley who came off the bench for Steve Clarke’s men in the historic Nations League draw against Ukraine on Wednesday. Shankland is set to lead the line, with Andy Halliday dropped to the bench. Also on the bench is new signing Robert Snodgrass with Craig Halkett not risked after recent injury problems.
READ MORE: Hearts will be raring to go vs Rangers as Craig Halkett and Robert Snodgrass importance talked up
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German midfielder Orestis Kiomourtzoglou will make his Tynecastle bow as he hopes for a dream home debut. The new signing known as Kio was signed from Dutch side Heracles Almelo back on August 28, but had been unable to play or train whilst awaiting the necessary documents.
The manager this week asked his side to go and beat Rangers saying his side “expect to win every home game.”
Speaking ahead of the match Neilson said: "It’s the league that’s gets us these tournaments and big games in Europe. Rangers are no different; it’s a massive game, a full house, a great atmosphere, and we’ll be looking to win it."
“We know if we win on Saturday, we’ll be second, so it’s a great opportunity. No matter who we play at Tynecastle, we expect to win.”
Starting XI: Gordon, M Smith, Cochrane, Neilson, Kingsley, Kio, Devlin, Forrest, McKay, Shankland, Humphrys
Subs: Stewart, Haring, Grant, Mackay-Steven, Atkinson, Halliday, Sibbick, Ginnelly, Snodgrass
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