The Ibrox icon is on tenterhooks ahead of the gargantuan clash in Gorgie that will be played out on Monday night
09:22, 04 May 2026Updated 09:25, 04 May 2026
Ally McCoist
Ibrox icon Ally McCoist senses Hearts will go for the jugular to “kill” Rangers’ dream of winning the Scottish Premiership.
The pundit is on tenterhooks ahead of the gargantuan clash in Gorgie as the Jambos attempt to go seven points clear of Danny Rohl‘s men with three games remaining – effectively ending their pursuit of the title.
Victory would also see Derek McInnes’ men restore their three-point advantage over Celtic as Scottish football laps up a three-way battle for the ages.
Speaking with former Rangers hero Peter Lovenkrands on talkSPORT, McCoist said: “See from Hearts point of view, what a statement they can make. I think they are going to come flying out the traps, like they usually do at Tynecastle. That is how I see the game starting. I see Derek having them completely wound up, as they should be.
“Effectively, if they get three points today, it kills Rangers and puts Hearts in a great position with Rangers going to Celtic. I think Rangers have got to win.”
McCoist also made the case why Rangers were slight favourites with oddsmakers to become the first team to beat the Jambos on home turf this season.
The 63-year-old reckons logic suggests Hearts should be favourites after their underdog status left bookie expert John Hill perplexed.
McCoist added: “I can give you my line on, I’m not sure it will enlighten you. When you talk about the odds, we’re nitpicking. You can’t really split them – it can only be due to the fact that Rangers must win.
“That’s all it can be. Recent history would tell you that Hearts have beaten Celtic twice and drawn with them. They have beaten Rangers twice and lost to them once. Common sense would tell you that they would probably be favourites. I think it’s due to the fact that Rangers must win.”
Derek McInnes celebrates
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