League leaders Hearts head into today’s clash with Rangers carrying both momentum and conviction, and Derek McInnes’ post-match comments after their 2–0 win over Falkirk last week offered a revealing insight into how he expects his side to approach the Tynecastle showdown.
McInnes framed the Falkirk victory as one built on pragmatism rather than flair - a theme Rangers supporters should note carefully.
“Just good to get in and out of the points,” he said.
“Tough conditions, it was always going to be a tough fixture this anyway.”
That emphasis on conditions, discipline and percentages is central to how Hearts will look to frustrate Rangers.
McInnes acknowledged his side initially caused themselves problems by trying to play too much football in the wrong areas.
“We were guilty of overplaying,” he admitted.
“I’m all for showing we’re good players, but we were trying to play in the wrong areas.”
Instead, Hearts adjusted at half-time by focusing on territory, structure and decision-making - the exact elements that have historically troubled Rangers at Tynecastle.
“At half-time, we spoke about playing the game we needed to play, not the game that some of them wanted to play,” McInnes explained.
“We played percentages. We were far more robust.”
For Rangers, this is a warning. Hearts will not be drawn into an open contest. ‘
McInnes wants his side to be “single-minded” and comfortable without dominating the ball - a recipe that has often undone Rangers sides lacking patience.
The Hearts boss also highlighted the importance of defensive concentration and game management, praising moments where his team sensed danger and dealt with it decisively.
“It needed trust, it needed responsibility, it needed just playing the conditions,” he said.
Those words will resonate in the Rangers camp. Under Danny Röhl, Rangers have prioritised structure and clean sheets, but Sunday will test whether they can maintain composure against an opponent happy to wait for mistakes.
McInnes also stressed the value of his side’s recent results, including the win at Celtic Park, which he believes has reinforced belief without inflating egos.
“Winning at Celtic Park at any time in the season takes a big performance,” he said.
“It means we come into this game with maybe a bit more belief.”
Crucially for Rangers, McInnes rejected any notion of looking too far ahead.
“The intention and the hope is we just treat every game in isolation with the merit it deserves,” he said.
That mentality - disciplined, grounded, and situational - defines the challenge Rangers face. Tynecastle will not be about spectacle. It will be about who adapts best, manages moments, and avoids self-inflicted problems.
McInnes’ Falkirk comments made one thing clear: Hearts are preparing for Rangers not with bravado, but with clarity - and that may be the most dangerous approach of all in a match that Rangers really need to win to stay in touch in the title race.