'I anticipate an exhilarating cup tie': Journalists' predictions for Hearts v Rangers

Joel Sked: Steven Gerrard's men will be coming into this game on a high after progressing to the Europa League last-16. The hope from a Hearts perspective will be that fatigue is an issue, coupled with finding a performance similar to that delivered in January when the Edinburgh side last won in the league, putting in an excellent display to beat the Ibrox side 2-1. More time on the training ground will have been useful after the Hamilton draw, as well as getting players back to full fitness with the St Mirren game being called off last week. However, the Buddies' win over Motherwell on Tuesday hurt Hearts' survival hopes. The home crowd could be poor due to a combination of expensive ticket prices and apathy so could be a long evening for the home side. Prediction: Rangers win

Neil McGlade: I think a lot will depend on how much Thursday's Europa League exertions have had on the Rangers squad. That said, Hearts need look no closer than the last visit of Gerrard's men to Tynecastle for inspiration as they deserved to take all three points - the only league win so far under Daniel Stendel's watch. The German got his tactics spot on that day. If Hearts can produce a similar performance then there is reason to be optimistic they too can claim a semi-final spot. However, their form has taken a real nosedive since then, failing to register another Premiership win. But this one-off clash provides an opportunity to find their feet again ahead of a critical league run - starting with Tuesday's trip across the Capital to face Hibs. Gerrard is under pressure to deliver a trophy for the Ibrox men this season and the Scottish Cup represents his best opportunity. Prediction: Narrow Rangers win.

Craig Fowler: Whether this contest is a closely fought fixture with Hearts capable of an upset or a complete hammering will depend on how wedded Gerrard is to his narrow 4-3-3 system. It played perfectly into Hearts' hands last time around. By operating with two No.10s off Jermain Defoe, it limited the number of opportunities Rangers had to exploit space behind the Hearts full-backs. With Alfredo Morelos they have a striker adept at moving into areas of space in the final third, which will pull the home rearguard all over the place and offer avenues for the supporting midfielders to exploit. The Ibrox boss does look like he's been open to experimenting a little of late. I think he'll have learned his lessons from the match in January and this will be a one-sided contest. Prediction: Away win

Anthony Brown: Temporarily relieved from their grim Premiership struggle, I expect a strong and unshackled performance from Hearts against a Rangers side who will be under huge pressure not to slip up after their recent capitulation in the title race. The way both teams play, there are likely to be goals at both ends. If Hearts play as they did against Rangers a month ago, they could win; if Rangers play as they did against Braga they should win. Either way, I anticipate an exhilarating cup tie. Hearts 3 Rangers 3

Mark Atkinson: Rangers, buoyed by their Europa League success, have to be warm favourites to reverse last month's outcome and dispatch Hearts. Tynecastle will only be half full and Hearts don't come into the tie with much momentum. The return of Morelos to the Gers' attack will also hurt Hearts' chances. The hosts will make a game of it, but their cup run is likely to end here. Prediction: Hearts 0-2 Rangers