By Nick McPheat

Copyright bbc

Hearts investor Tony Bloom raised eyebrows last month when he claimed the Tynecastle club are in a position to split the Old Firm this season.

A rare victory at winless Rangers on Saturday would certainly make a statement.

Derek McInnes’ side, who will be without record signing Eduardo Ageu and defender Frankie Kent, travel to Govan with 10 points from four games, while Russell Martin’s men have opened with four straight draws.

Rangers looked more organised in a dreary Old Firm stalemate last time out, but their attacking output will have to improve.

Thelo Aasgaard will bounce back from Norway duty after a remarkable four-goal display off the bench in an 11-1 win over Moldova.

And Martin can look to deadline-day signing Youssef Chermiti, signed from Everton for a deal reported to be worth £10m, to give his team more cutting edge after they failed to register a shot on target against Celtic.

Stretching back to last season, the Ibrox side have failed to win their past five league matches, their longest winless run in the top flight in 20 years.

But they are unbeaten in 18 meetings with Hearts, who have gone 17 visits to Rangers without success since winning 2-1 in the Championship in August 2014.

Something’s gotta give.