Rangers will continue their battle to finish in the coveted second place in the Scottish Championship when they take on title winners Hearts on Sunday.

Robbie Neilson's side have already secured their place in the Premiership next season as they have coasted their way to the title following Hibernian's loss to the Gers, but will nonetheless want to finish the campaign strongly.

Rangers

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Rangers have had a tumultuous time this season following their recent takeover by Dave King, but new manager Stuart McCall has enjoyed an excellent start to his reign at the club since taking over from Kenny McDowall.

The Gers' win over Hibernian got them back on track after drawing four games on the spin to put them back into contention for second place. They backed up that display with a 4-1 hammering of Cowdenbeath last time out to move level on points with Hibs with a game in hand.

McCall's men now have a real incentive to push on to end the campaign strongly to earn second place, which will give them a week off in the playoffs before a meeting with the third or fourth-placed team.

Rangers' home form has been poor of late as they have won just once in their last six games at Ibrox, but they are unbeaten in their last eight matches in the Championship and go into the clash against the champions in good form.

Recent form: WWDDDD

Hearts

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As mentioned, Hearts have romped to the Scottish Championship title due to their outstanding form this season. Neilson's side have lost just once in the entire league campaign, which came in January in a 3-2 defeat to Falkirk.

However, since then Hearts have won their last nine games in a row, scoring 32 goals, including their 10-0 hammering of Cowdenbeath, while also remaining solid at the back.

Neilson will want to see his side finish the campaign on a high note in their six games left this season.

Their form away from Tynecastle has been just as good as their home outings, and they last dropped points all the way back in October when they drew with their bitter rivals Hibernian.

Recent form: WWWWWW

Team News

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Rangers could have veteran keeper Steve Simonsen back in their starting lineup after his ban for betting on a series of matches last season was not extended by the Scottish Football Association.

Cammy Bell could make way for the 35-year-old, but given that the Gers have no new injury worries, McCall is likely to stick with the same side he has used for the past two matches.

If a change were to be made Haris Vuckic could push for a start after scoring a brace against Cowdenbeath last week.

Hearts are in a similar position to McCall's men as Neilson has used the same team for the past two matches, both of which have yielded wins for the Jambos.

Sam Nicholson and James Keatings could push for a recall into the starting lineup should Neilson choose to stray from the 4-4-2 formation, which could see Genero Zeefuik or Osman Sow drop to the bench at Ibrox.

Rangers possible starting lineup:
Bell, McGregor, McCulloch, Mohsni, Wallace, Murdoch, Shiels, Law, Templeton, Miller, Clark

Hearts possible starting lineup:
Alexander, Paterson, Wilson, Ozturk, Gomis, Walker, King, Pallardo, Sow, Zeefuik, Eckersley

Head To Head

Hearts have won both matches against the Gers this season, first recording a win on the opening day through a late strike from Sow at Ibrox after Nick Law looked to have rescued a point for the hosts.

The second meeting was more straightforward for Neilson's men as a strike from Jason Holt and a goal from the penalty spot from Jamie Walker fired them past the visitors as they were reduced to 10 men early in the contest.

In the history of the clash between the two teams, Rangers have enjoyed much better success than the Jambos as they have recorded a total of 204 wins to Hearts' 72, while there have been 63 draws in the contest.

We say: Rangers 1-2 Hearts

Rangers have been playing well of late under McCall as they have started to turn their draws into victories. However, the juggernaut of Hearts this season has been too much for every team in the league and that is unlikely to change at Ibrox as the Jambos will do just enough to clinch the three points.

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