Morton can cause problems for Rangers

Hearts v Hibernian
Sky Sports 2, 12.30pm

Hearts lost to Hibernian in the cup last season, helping their
Edinburgh rivals end their 114-year wait for William Hill Scottish Cup glory, but the Tynecastle outfit can avenge that defeat with a home victory.

Ian Cathro’s side have suddenly clicked after a sluggish start under their new boss and the signings of Anastasios Avlonitis and Esmael Goncalves are looking like inspired moves.

Hibs are long odds-on to win the Ladbrokes Championship this season but they were poor last weekend in the 1-1 draw at home to struggling Ayr United and appear vulnerable at the back.

Hearts would love to knock out the holders and it would also be no surprise if whistle-happy ref Willie Collum awards a penalty today – a 12-5 chance with Paddy Power.

Recommendation
Hearts
2pts 13-10 BoyleSports

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Team news
Hearts
Arnaud Djoum is back for Hearts after helping Cameroon win the Africa Cup of Nations. Prince Buaben, John Souttar and Callum Paterson are out.

Hibernian
The Ladbrokes Championship leaders are still missing injured defender Paul Hanlon.

Key stat
Both teams have scored in five of the last seven meetings

Rangers v Morton
Sky Sports 2, 3pm

Managerless Rangers begin life after Mark Warburton with a tricky William Hill Scottish Cup tie against a Morton side full of confidence.

Warburton’s shock departure could hardly have been handled worse but it was not before time as the former Brentford boss’s increasingly erratic management style has been reflected by a Rangers team in turmoil after a shocker of a campaign.

Morton will be highly motivated for this tie and manager Jim Duffy managed a draw at Ibrox last season with a weaker squad against, arguably, a better Rangers team.

It’s difficult to predict how Rangers will respond under caretaker boss Graeme Murty and Morton should be backed to at least pose them problems. Braver punters may even be tempted by the 16-1 about the underdogs.

Recommendation
Morton +2 on handicap
2pts 5-4 Betfred

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Team news
Rangers
Forward Michael O’Halloran returns from suspension and Josh Windass should be fit for the game.

Morton
The visitors can’t select cup-tied striker Lawrence Shankland but on-loan Celtic youngster Luke Donnelly is permitted to play.

Key stat
Morton have scored in ten of their last 11 games