Hearts v Rangers – preview

Although the SPL champions sit 11 points ahead of our favourites, many Hearts fans will feel a degree of optimism going into Sunday`s game at Tynecastle. 2 back-to-back 2-0 wins (including the first away win since February) are the main reason, with a Rudi Skacel goal in each game hopefully heralding a return to top form for our inspirational midfielder.

Meanwhile, Rangers stuttered last weekend, losing an injury-time equaliser at home to St. Mirren in a match which they failed to dominate.

However off-field stories have surfaced this week which may – or may not – have a bearing on the mental state of the players of both clubs. The state of Rangers finances – and the business track record of new owner Craig Whyte – came under scrutiny this week in a BBC documentary. There were some damning comments from former chairman Alastair Johnson about Whyte`s management style, while the potential £40 million tax recovery action by HMRC could send the Ibrox club into bankruptcy.

Hearts have troubles of their own, however. It seems that many players have not been paid on time (this must be the 4th or 5th time this sort of thing has surfaced in the last few years) – and we can only hope the affected players don`t let it distract their focus on Sunday`s game. As to the reason for these late payment incidents ?. Well it`s anybody`s guess. I noticed that Finance Director Arnoldas Nauseda left the club at the start of the month, with a glowing tribute from Sergejus Fedotovas about how he had modernised the running of the finance department and achieved efficiency savings. Hmmm? well, maybe not paying staff on time counts as a saving in Lithuania ?

Who can be surprised to learn that the SFA look to be preparing to hammer Hearts for Paulo Sergio`s comments about referee Ian Brines after the Ayr United game ? I thought Paulo was quite measured and respectful in what he said regarding the Eggert Jonsson disallowed goal. Hearts have claimed that Brines gave 2 different explanation to them as to why he first allowed and then disallowed the goal. “I am not happy to have him at Hearts matches” was Paulo`s comment ahead of the Dunfermline game, which seems to me to rank well below some of the statements emanating from Celtic last season concerning the performance and integrity of Dougie McDonald. Still, the SFA will no doubt revert to normal practice and slap a hefty fine on Hearts. Any chance of some support from Celtic on this one ?

Finally, Kevin Kyle`s future at Hearts looks bleak, judging from Paulo’s comment today on the news that he may need further surgery on his hip. With his contract due to expire in 8 months time, it`s unlikely we`ll see KK play again this season – and you`d have to expect that his contract will not be renewed.

For Sunday, Ian Black may return after his injury last week, while Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic is a doubt. Hearts are certainly capable of winning this match, but they`ll need to convert a high percentage of scoring chances into goals to do so. Despite being a great asset to the team, David Templeton has hardly scored a goal in 2011 – so what better match to put an end to his goal drought !!

Come on the Hearts !!