Hearts v Rangers team news and line-ups: TV coverage, key men fit, poor crowd?

Hearts host Rangers at Tynecastle Park on Saturday evening (5.30pm ko) with a place in the last four of the Scottish Cup at stake.

It is somewhat of a welcome move away from the league for the Jam Tarts as they sit bottom of the table having won just three games in the Ladbrokes Premiership all season.

Their last league victory came against Steven Gerrard’s men last month in what was Hearts’ best performance of the season, coming from behind to send Tynecastle wild.

Many thought that would act as a catalyst for the rest of the season but that hasn’t been the case.

Manager Daniel Stendel has used last week’s postponement at St Mirren to nurse some of the squad back to fitness, while trying to recalibrate on the training ground.

Opponents Rangers have played four times since Hearts were last in action, the latest a 1-0 win in Braga on Wednesday evening to reach the last-16 of the Europa League.

However, domestically they have been poor as they have fallen 12 points behind Celtic.

The game is heading for a low crowd with large swathes of the home end unsold.

Hearts team news: Peter Haring has been sent to see a specialist regarding his troublesome groin/pelvis problem which has kept him out all season. Liam Boyce and Aidy White are back to full fitness but Toby Sibbick misses out once more due to illness.

Possible Hearts XI (4-4-1-1): Zlamal; Clare, Halkett, Souttar, Hickey; Avdijaj, Smith, Irving, Walker; Naismith; Boyce.

Rangers team news: Alfredo Morelos is available again after missing the midweek European match through suspension. Jermain Defoe has an outside chance of making the game, while Florian Kamberi is suspended having already played for Hibs in the competition.

Possible Rangers XI: McGregor; Tavernier, Edmundson, Goldson, Barisic; Jack, Arfield, Aribo; Kent, Morelos, Hagi.

Key clash: John Souttar and Craig Halkett were largely excellent during Hearts’ 2-1 win last month. There was, however, the feeling that if Alfredo Morelos had been available the score and the result would have been different. The centre-back duo have struggled since. While the Colombian has struggled for goals, his physical play and threat in behind will pose plenty of problems.

Last meeting: Hearts came out 2-1 victors when the sides met in the league. Ryan Kent opened the scoring for the visitors but a strong response from the home side brought about goals from Steven Naismith and debutant Liam Boyce. It started a downturn in Rangers’ league form.

Match details: Saturday, 29 February. Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh. Kick-off 5.30pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Hearts website. The game will be shown live on Premier Sports.

Referee: Steven McLean (Six yellow cards and one red in two Scottish Cup games) – McLean was the man in the middle for the last fixture between the sides. This will be just his second match officiating Hearts.

Odds: Hearts 6/1 Draw 17/5 Rangers 4/9