Rangers will aim to build on recent momentum following a string of inconsistent Premiership performances when they entertain struggling Hearts at Ibrox on Sunday evening.
Under-fire Philippe Clement has managed to shift some of the pressure on his shoulders this week with a 2-1 comeback League Cup semi-final win over Motherwell before securing a 1-1 draw against Greek giants Olympiacos in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Light Blues sit third in the league table with 19 points from 10 games and are already playing catch-up behind Celtic and Aberdeen at the summit. Hearts have also endured a hugely underwhelming campaign to date, most recently going down 2-0 at home to Bundesliga side Heidenheim in the Conference League.
However, the Jambos did managed to record a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone in the previous league outing and new boss Neil Critchley will hope his players can seek inspiration from Kenneth Vargas’ match-winner in Perth when they travel along the M8 to Govan for a later than usual 5pm kick-off.
As we approach the Sunday’s clash we’ve rounded up the latest fitness and absence updates for both Rangers and Hearts.
Tom Lawrence (OUT) - Crocked for four to six weeks with a leg injury picked up during the first-half of last weekend's League Cup semi-final win vs Motherwell
Rabbi Matondo (DOUBT) - Reportedly pushing for a return to competitive action
Oscar Cortes (OUT) - Remains a bit behind in his comeback and won't be back out on the pitch for a while yet
Gerald Taylor (OUT) - Long-term knee issue for the first of the Hearts outs.
Calem Nieuwenhof (OUT) - A troublesome hamstring issue has praised the Australian midfielder for the last eight months. He's had a few setbacks along the way but has been making steps forward in recent weeks
Yutaro Oda (OUT) - Closing in on a return to action from a hamstring strain but not expected to be ready for this one, despite being back out on the grass this week.