HEARTS and Rangers kick off the Scottish Premiership season with a fascinating tussle at Tynecastle.
Rangers have had a traumatic summer after being told to play at Hampden for an indefinite period following problems with renovation work at Ibrox.
And manager Philippe Clement has been told he must sell before he buys players and has ordered a clear-out of the old guard, with Connor Goldson already away, Todd Cantwell told he can leave and captain James Tavernier looking like he could be surplus to requirements too.
In pre-season, they lost to a team of Manchester United kids at Murrayfield, English League One side Birmingham City and shipped four goals to Union Berlin, although they did at least claim a 4-4 draw there.
It doesn't look like a happy ship at the moment at the club and their fans are already fearing the worst this season in terms of the title race, after Celtic beat Manchester City and Chelsea in pre-season.
Hearts hardly endeared themselves to their own punters either in pre-season. A 5-1 home defeat to Spurs was disappointing, but they were blown away by English fourth tier side Fleetwood Town in a 3-0 defeat in their last friendly.
How the bookies view it: Rangers to get off to a flier
Despite their issues, Rangers are still warm favourites here at 8/13 with bet365.
Hearts can be backed at 4/1 with Paddy Power and the draw is 10/3 with McBookie.com.
Head to head: Rangers have Indian sign over Hearts
Rangers were far too strong for Hearts last season and knocked them out of the League Cup and Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden and won three out of the four league games with the other one drawn.
In fact, it's a bit of a myth that Rangers struggle on a trip to Gorgie – they have won five of their last six visits with the other game a draw.
Players to watch: All eyes on Shanks
Rangers' interest in Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland has been ramped up recently and a move does seem inevitable if Rangers can get their finances in order. Last season's Player of the Year will again be key to the Jambos and he is 11/4 to score with Paddy Power, which could be value.
Tom Lawrence impressed during Rangers; 4-4 draw in Germany by scoring two goals from midfield. With Cantwell set to leave, it's a big season for the Welshman and he is 7/2 to net with William Hill.
Probable line-ups:
Hearts' midfield duo Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof are both expected to miss out.
Rangers have doubts over Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell. New signing Robin Propper could feature.
Hearts: Clark, Taylor, Penrice, Kent, Rowles, Spittal, Forrest, Devlin, Dhanda, McKay, Shankland.
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Jefte, Diomande, Barron, Lawrence, Cortes Matondo, Dessers.
Anything else catch the eye?
Neither side can be going into this with any great confidence after varying degrees of pre-season problems, but Rangers can edge what should be an entertaining game with plenty of goals.
There's no doubt the current Ibrox defence have major issues and it will need strengthening, but they are still a decent attacking unit going forward and should have goals in them.
And Hearts have clearly got defensive problems too having lost ten goals in three games to Spurs, Leyton Orient and Fleetwood Town.
Despite its reputation as a tricky venue, Rangers have made light work of trips to Tynecastle recently and the call is both teams to score and Rangers to win at 2/1 with bet365.
Opening games tend to be dramatic affairs and, with goals expected, don't be surprised if both teams scored in the first half at a decent 3/1 with bet365 again.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Rangers will be played on Aug 3, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
In December 2020 we sadly 
Hearts v Rangers – Sat 12:30 KO
Shankland to score, BTTS and over 2.5 goals is William Hills is boosted out to 7/1