So here we go, approaching Wednesday’s trip to Hearts and the start of the double fixture that will have a hugely defining say on whether Rangers can win the title. As is well known, it is very hard, if not impossible, to win the title in late October or early November. But it is very possible to lose it. That is to say that Rangers must clear this double header with at least four points, preferably six, in order to stay in with a shout of challenging our Old Firm rivals.

Losing the title in October

As we said before, it is nigh on impossible to win the title at this point, but it is not impossible to let it slip away. And losing significant ground v Hearts as we approach Christmas would be a very, very bad one for Rangers to take. It is very difficult to claw back a significant deficit at this point, hence why this period is so pivotal towards the title. A team does not win the title around now, but they can lose it.

Consequently, travelling to Hearts this weekend to face Wouter Vrancken‘s side is absolutely crucial. We all know the trouble that Rangers have had at Tynecastle over the years. It is not an easy place to go and get three points. And Hearts will still be smarting from the 7-1 drubbing they received at Parkhead from the other side of the Old Firm. Celtic have the advantage in the league at present. Rangers may have had a good one against St Johnstone in the most convincing league match the Govan faithful have had this season, but nevertheless, it has to be sustained. And doing so at a tricky venue like Tynecastle is a big deal.

Hostile Home Crowd

We know the home side v Hearts will be extremely hostile to Rangers. The home crowd will be vitriolic, to say the least, as we’ve discussed before. The close proximity of Tynecastle’s crowd to the pitch is unlike any other stadium. Obviously, Rangers will not be taking Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin in the match squad, but they will certainly be in attendance and they’ll receive a hot reception as it is.

And of course, the manager. The big deal of Derek McInnes switching from Hearts to Rangers after the bittersweet end to the Gorgie side’s season last time. There are so many subplots here, and this is a huge one for Rangers. Hearts themselves are only four points behind Rangers. If they secure the victory in this one, suddenly they have become almost level with Derek McInnes’ side and can arguably count themselves as serious title contenders.

Hearts’ Credibility

They may not be as strong as they were last season. That goes without saying. But they are having a say for sure, and they’re very much in proximity of the top three. They are not that far behind Celtic as it is. And even though they were drubbed by Martin O’Neill’s team, it’s a marathon and not a sprint. And it’s over the course of a season against all sides and not just your big rivals.

Nevertheless, it’s all about Rangers. Can Rangers get that victory? And what would it mean? We will discuss that one in a separate entry, but all we can say for this one is the hype train is real and this is a huge match.

What a cracker.