Derek McInnes returns to Tynecastle with Rangers, and the most immediate number in the night is the gap between the sides around him. Hearts are just four points behind Rangers, while McInnes comes back after coming within minutes of leading Hearts to a historic title triumph in May. Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin will miss the trip back to Tynecastle.

He told BBC Scotland the welcome will not be warm. "Well, the hope would be you get on to the pitch and clap the fans and there's an acknowledgement both ways. But that's not going to happen. I totally understand it, though." That is the hard edge to the fixture, especially with Rangers second and Hearts close enough to make the meeting feel heavier than a routine midweek game.

Dundee Utd's run against Celtic

The other eye-catching fixture sends Dundee Utd to Celtic, who are top of the Premiership with 27 points from 10 games. Dundee Utd sit fourth with 15 points from 10 games and arrive on a five-match unbeaten run after beating Aberdeen 3-2 in chaotic weather at Tannadice. The issue is the venue. Celtic are unbeaten in 51 home games against Dundee Utd in all competitions since a 1-0 league defeat in December 1992.

That kind of run does not make the game a formality, but it does put the scale of the task in plain view. Dundee Utd have steadied themselves, yet Celtic Park has been a shut door for more than three decades.

Hibs still need a result

Hibernian head to St Mirren with a different problem. Marink Reedijk says the mood around the club is positive and that progress is showing, but Hibs are bottom of the Premiership with 7 points from 10 games and have lost three straight matches. Reedijk also said, "The positivity in the club is really good. The second thing is we have also shown there is progress. Again, I'm a believer that the results will come. Do we need a win and a result? Yes, I understand that it's football."

Hibs have lost only two of their past 14 Premiership visits to St Mirren, so there is at least some history working in their favour. Grant Hanley was brought on as a striker on Sunday, and Reedijk does not expect to see that again. Wednesday's card is built around one return, one long wait and one team that simply needs points at St Mirren.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →