Pace on the pitch and patience among the paying public. Will that be enough to see off the proven winners in hot pursuit? A nation awaits the answer. The lunchtime clash between the top two in Scotland’s second tier is of interest far beyond the core supports of either Hearts or Rangers; events in Gorgie will provide a focal point, taking point and – almost certainly – starting point for arguments and opinions the length and breadth of the country. Heck, the debate surrounding the respective merits of the Championship challengers has already started. And it does rather feel as if the weight of opinion is veering strongly towards the home side at Tynecastle.
@highlight
Hearts and Rangers face each other in the on Saturday
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They occupy the top two spots in the Scottish Championship
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Cowdenbeath boss Jimmy Nicholl believes Hearts are the better side
Jimmy Nicholl
For all his talk of the quality available to Rangers, though, @placeholder still seems to be leaning towards a home win – for reasons beyond touch, technique and tactics.
Hearts
Hearts
Hearts
‘I think that’ll be a major plus for the @placeholder players because, as the season goes on, there will be nervous and anxious times, fighting to be top of the league.
Hearts
Hearts
Hearts
As for what the result means to the title race, well, there is a strong argument to say that Rangers, having lost at home to @placeholder early in the season, can’t afford to surrender more ground to their rivals.
Rangers
Rangers
‘That makes this weekend really important, especially if @placeholder go nine points behind.