Rangers are expected to receive a major psychological title race benefit when they play Hearts and Lawrence Shankland.

According to Peter Martin, Rangers would receive a “huge psychological bonus” if they maintain their 12-year winning streak against Hearts at Ibrox.

Speaking on February 23, the host of PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show asserted that the Light Blues will have a significant chance to take a five-point lead at the top if they defeat the Jambos on February 24 if Celtic plays a day later.

Former Giants captain Lee McCulloch stated that he would always prefer to be playing that way around and acknowledged that going first and achieving a result can put more pressure on the struggling Hoops.

Although Steven Naismith’s team has been playing well, Alan Rough thinks it is a “big ask” for them to travel to Glasgow and win. He says Lawrence Shankland needs to produce something if they are to have a chance, and Tam McManus concurs that Rangers will win if the hotly associated striker stays silent.

Rangers can extend their lead over Celtic in the SPFL.

Philippe Clement will need to be extra explicit about avoiding complacency because Todd Cantwell’s injury was just revealed to be the most recent addition to the Rangers’ long list of injuries, just as the pressure of winning was lifted.

On paper, Hearts’ visit is a favorable outcome given their record, but they are also playing well, having won all eight of their 2024 matches.

For good cause, they sit comfortably in third position in the league, and the last thing the Light Blues want to do is give Celtic another opportunity at a time when they seem to be falling apart on the inside.

At this moment, clarifying things further would really have the opposite impact, therefore it’s important to seize the chance.

Although Clement maintains he won’t game plan especially for the Hearts captain, he will need to choose a side to keep him under wraps. The Shankland factor adds an additional element given the possibility that Rangers may still be interested in signing him in the summer and he may be looking to convince them he is worth it.

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