Djeidi Gassama starts as Derek McInnes makes one Rangers change for Hearts
Derek McInnes has explained his decision to drop Baderine Bouanani to the bench as Djeidi Gassama returns to the Rangers starting XI for tonight's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts at Tynecastle.
The Rangers boss has made one change to the side that defeated St Johnstone 4-0 at Ibrox on Saturday in the blistering rain, with Gassama coming into the starting lineup in place of Bouanani.
The Algerian international winger impressed against the Saints, earning praise from McInnes post-match, but the manager has opted to manage his workload amid a demanding run of fixtures.
Bouanani remains among the substitutes, with McInnes keen to ensure the summer signing can make an impact when called upon in Edinburgh.
McInnes explains Bounanani decision
Speaking before kick-off, McInnes stressed that the decision was not a reflection of Bouanani's performance at the weekend.
"Baderine was terrific on Saturday. I really felt that he showcased a lot of what he's good at, but he's not had a lot of football of late,” the manager explained.
"There were three games this week. He took a bit of a cramp towards the end of the game.
"We just feel that tonight's game, there'll be a time for him to come on when the game maybe settles down.
"I just think three starts for him in a week, where he's at in terms of not having played a lot of football, might just go against him at the minute, but not to do his performance.
"He'll be ready. He's good to go when he comes on tonight. And again, he's one that we're really pleased with."
Gassama returns to Gers XI
Mauritania international Gassama therefore gets the opportunity to make his mark from the start as Rangers look to continue their positive domestic form against a Hearts side with an impressive home record, having not lost in Gorgie since a 1-0 defeat to Dundee in April 2025.
McInnes knows his side will have to withstand an intense opening in Edinburgh, where the atmosphere and tight playing surface can make life difficult for visiting teams.
The Rangers boss warned his players to be ready for the physical demands of the contest, insisting they must earn the right to play before imposing themselves on the match.
"Just to expect a tough start, a quick start. We've got to be ready for it. We know how quick the game can be here, tight pitch, fans on top of you,” McInnes explained.
"You've got an early part of the game, when you think you've got time, you probably don't and you've got to be ready to be competitive from the get-go.
"Be confident. We've shown in recent weeks, handling 60,000 at Celtic Park and all the circumstances you're at with no fans, we can deal with the game here.
"We don't want it just to be a fight, but if we have to be strong in the duels and the challenges, we've got to impose ourselves on that. Sometimes you've got to earn the right first."
Tynecastle return for McInnes
Rangers will be hoping to take confidence from their recent performances as they face a Hearts side accustomed to winning at home.
McInnes believes getting the first goal could prove crucial, particularly given the backing the home side will receive from their supporters.
"Hearts have got such a strong home record. They're used to seeing their team winning here,” he said.
"Sometimes it can be difficult for an opposition team if you go behind here and the fans get right into it.
"If we can plant a seed in the doubt and we can get ourselves in front, like any time you go away from home, if you can impose yourselves on the game, I think you get benefits from that, like we did at Celtic Park."
