Rangers fans to take encouragement as Hearts hope for one outcome from Old Firm derby

Hearts may want to see Celtic beat Rangers in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday.

Former Gers forward Ross McCormack believes Martin O’Neill’s team winning the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on 1 March could potentially be the best outcome for the Jam Tarts.

The Light Blues have been the most in-form team in Scotland since Danny Rohl’s arrival, and they’re seen as the biggest challengers for the Jambos in the league title race.

As things stand, the Govan side are four points behind the Jambos in the table, while the Hoops sit two points behind their city rivals with a game in hand.

2025-26 Scottish Premiership standings
Credit: Imago

Rangers record vs Celtic a good omen for Danny Rohl

The Gers have lost one of their last five Old Firm derbies in the William Hill Premiership.

Rohl’s first experience of the rivalry came in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on 2 November, with Celtic winning the tie 3-1 after extra time.

The German manager then got the better of Wilfried Nancy at Parkhead, with the Light Blues securing a 3-0 victory, but Hearts will surely hope they can’t do the same at Ibrox.

Speaking on talkSPORT on 27 February, McCormack said, “Going into the Old Firm game at the weekend, if I’m Hearts, I’m actually probably sitting there wanting Celtic to beat Rangers because I think Rangers will be the biggest challengers.”

Fans in G51 arguably saw one of the most uneventful derbies under Russell Martin at home on 31 August, with the drab display from both sides ending in a 0-0 draw.

With the two Glasgow clubs somewhat finding their feet under Rohl and O’Neill, it will undoubtedly be an exciting watch as both teams look to catch the Jam Tarts at the top of the table.

One player has guaranteed place in Danny Rohl starting lineup vs Celtic

Youssef Chermiti has been an enigma for the Rangers supporters, with the Portugal Under-21 international looking like an unbelievable striker when he turns up.

The 21-year-old has faced heavy criticism for his inconsistency since moving to the Gers last summer, but Rohl will surely start him against Celtic.

Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti in background with goalscoring stat against Celtic and Hearts
Credit: Imago

Of the seven goals Chermiti has scored in the William Hill Premiership, six have come against Hearts and Celtic.

The 21-year-old seems to turn up for the big games, and the home support in Ibrox will undoubtedly love to see the centre-forward silence his critics again.

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