Hearts vs Rangers
Sunday, December 21 – Tynecastle Park – 13.30 GMT
How to Watch: Live streaming on SPOTV NOW (Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Macau)
Current Standings
- Hearts: 1st
- Rangers: 4th
Hearts of Midlothian sit six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, ahead of Celtic, albeit having played one game more. On Sunday, December 21, they host Rangers at Tynecastle Park with one clear objective: keep their grip on the summit.
For the first time in two decades, Hearts are mounting a genuine title challenge. The last time they finished as runners-up was in 2005-06. To find their most recent league triumph, you have to go back to 1959-60 — a different era entirely. This is unfamiliar territory for the Jambos, but they’re embracing it.
“We’re enjoying what we’re doing right now; there’s no pressure,” said head coach Derek McInnes. “A couple of teams, including ourselves, are probably exceeding expectations this season. The consistency we’ve shown has been really pleasing.”
Momentum is on their side. Hearts have just claimed back-to-back away wins against Celtic and Falkirk, and McInnes believes those results have injected extra belief ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
The numbers tell their own story: three wins from three against the Old Firm this season — two over Celtic and a memorable victory at Ibrox in September. But McInnes knows the scale of the challenge.
“Rangers and Celtic have huge advantages over the rest of us. They spend millions assembling squads and thousands a week on wages — levels we simply can’t match,” he said.
“So, when you beat teams like that, you have to do a lot right. It’s still three points like any other game, but if players or supporters need a bit more belief, these wins help.”
Whatever happens against Rangers, Hearts will become the first non-Old Firm side to lead the top flight at Christmas since 1993. McInnes wants his players to savor the moment — and keep pushing.
“I want us to stay exactly where we are. I’m enjoying this, and I keep telling the players: you’ve done so well to get here. We’ve done a lot right to reach this point, and now we have to do even more to stay there.”
Muirhead at the double to see off Rangers ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2L7DLZYiYT
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) December 20, 2025
