How to watch Hearts v Rangers: TV channel, live stream, team news referee and VAR for Premiership grudge match

Rangers travel to Hearts for a midweek Premiership battle in what will be manager Derek McInnes’ first match back at Tynecastle since leaving for Ibrox in the summer.

The Govan side emerged comfortable 4-0 victors in their last league encounter against St Johnstone on Saturday and now prepare to enter the lions den that is Gorgie. A hostile atmosphere is expected for the Rangers team and manager in a fixture which already possesses a bit of needle.

Their opponents are a very different team who were four minutes away from a historic title triumph under McInnes. His successor, Wouter Vrancken, has implemented his own attacking style with plenty of new face. The Jambos endured a recent minor slump in form, but got back to winning ways on Sunday against Motherwell at Fir Park.

Rangers currently sit second in the league standings, four points ahead of third-placed Hearts and four behind leaders Celtic. The Light Blues lost both their meetings at Tynecastle this season in two matches which had significant title race ramifications. Having watched Celtic dismantle Hearts 7-1 nine days ago, to keep pace with the champions, these are the games they can’t lose.

The midweek fixture has been selected for television broadcast. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch Hearts vs Rangers, as well as some other useful match information:

Where and when will Hearts vs Rangers take place?

The match will take place at Tynecastle Park on Wednesday, October 28. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm (GMT).

Will Hearts vs Rangers be broadcast live on television?

Yes, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage will start half an hour before kick-off.

Can I live stream Hearts vs Rangers?

Yes, Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via the Sky Go app. Non-subscribers can purchase a Sky Sports day pass from Now TV for £14.99.

Who is the referee and VAR for Hearts vs Rangers?

Don Robertson is the match referee. His assistant referees are Ross MacLeod and Calum Spence, while Colin Steven will be the fourth official. At Clydesdale House, Matthew MacDermid is on VAR duty, assisted by Peter Stuart.

What is the Rangers team news ahead of Hearts?

There were no fresh injury concerns in the win over St Johnstone, meaning a similar starting XI is to be expected. Former Hearts men Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin remain out injured, however fellow ex-Jambo James Penrice is expected to start.

What has Derek McInnes said ahead of the Hearts clash?

Given the hosts’ strong record in Gorgie, the Rangers boss is expecting a tough contest. Ahead of the match, he said: “What we have to do is concentrate on the game itself. Obviously there’s going to be a lot made of me going back there etc. Hearts have got such a strong home record. Last season we (Hearts) went unbeaten at home and there’s a reason for that. Tynecastle is a brilliant venue for getting behind the team and it’s a tough venue for anyone to go to at the best of times.”

(The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)