A soaring belief in Rangers title chances as Hearts told a brutal truth after a Jury pardons Celtic

Derby verdicts and title tension at Tynecastle

NDY: Hearts may go into the Edinburgh derby as clear favourites, but a draw wouldn’t come as a shock at Tynecastle. The Jambos lacked a cutting edge in Paisley on Tuesday, and injuries and suspensions appeared to be catching up with them. Craig Halkett’s suspension, in particular, is a significant setback.

CRAIG: Hibs approach the game with a sense of freedom, which could be dangerous for Hearts. However, with so much at stake in the title race, Derek McInnes’ side should be capable of rising to the occasion.

GAVIN: This could be a decisive week in Hearts’ title push, especially with a trip to Ibrox coming straight after the capital clash. Hibs seem to be regaining confidence following a difficult spell that included a Scottish Cup exit and a heavy defeat to Falkirk. David Gray’s team could sneak a point at Tynecastle.

KEITH: Hearts will feel they owe Hibs after the last derby. Home advantage and the motivation to remain top of the table should be enough to drive them to victory at Tynecastle.

Will Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain make an impact at Celtic?

ANDY: On reputation alone, you’d expect someone of his calibre to control games, but much depends on how quickly Martin O’Neill can get him match-fit. He’s been training with Arsenal but hasn’t played competitively since May, so patience may be required.

CRAIG: His résumé speaks for itself, and if Celtic can get him fully up to speed, he has the quality to add much-needed creativity to O’Neill’s midfield.

GAVIN: Fitness is the key issue. His injury history raises concerns, and he’s unlikely to be an immediate starter. But if he reaches full sharpness and avoids setbacks, this could turn out to be a masterstroke by O’Neill.

KEITH: There’s no doubt he has the talent to be a game-changer, but the big question is whether his body can cope. After nine months out and ongoing knee problems, it’s a gamble — but one that could pay off handsomely if he’s physically ready.

Have Rangers recruited well enough to win the title?

ANDY: Rangers have strengthened in areas where they were previously short. Andreas Skov Olsen showed glimpses of his ability against Kilmarnock after a quiet start, while Tuur Rommens and Ryan Naderi made encouraging debuts. Now Danny Rohl needs them to deliver consistently in the run-in.

CRAIG: The board has backed their manager, and it will come down to Rohl’s judgement. If he’s chosen wisely, Rangers will be serious contenders in the title race.

GAVIN: On paper, the signings look right. Rommens appears to be a clear upgrade at left-back, while Skov Olsen has obvious quality if he finds form. Naderi could also provide the goals Rangers have been crying out for.

KEITH: Early indications suggest improvements in key areas, but it’s still too soon to be certain. If Skov Olsen and Naderi live up to expectations, Rohl may have assembled enough attacking threat and creativity to go all the way.

Should Gregor Townsend be sacked as Scotland rugby head coach?

ANDY: Townsend has had ample time, and it feels like his era should be coming to an end. He’s overseen a so-called golden generation, yet beyond a solid run in the Calcutta Cup against a mediocre England, tangible success has been limited. Scotland’s Six Nations and World Cup performances tell the story.

CRAIG: Many believe he has already overstayed his welcome, and that latest defeat was a dreadful way to begin the campaign. A new voice is badly needed.

GAVIN: There’s a strong case that change should have happened earlier. While the conditions in Rome were poor, it’s hard to defend the performance. Sacking a coach mid-tournament isn’t unprecedented — Wales did it with Warren Gatland last year. Franco Smith stands out as the obvious replacement, so why wait?

KEITH: Yes, it’s time. Townsend has had one of the most talented Scotland squads in decades but has failed to make them consistently reliable. The loss in Rome was another major humiliation — and not just because of the kit.