It is difficult to get away from the differing atmospheres at the Premiership’s top two before they go head-to-head for the first time this season on Sunday.
Hearts have already beaten Rangers at Ibrox, but were they to defeat Celtic in front of their own fans and move eight points clear, the hype would reach new heights.
“I think Hearts can win the title, I really do,” former Celtic striker Chris Sutton said on the BBC’s Monday Night Club.
“Partly because of the way they have recruited, partly because of the manager, partly because of their form, and partly because of the way Celtic and Rangers are playing.
“I don’t see a way out for Rangers and Celtic until January. Hearts don’t have European football to contend with – there’s a lot of things pointing in their favour.”
Hearts have scored more goals than any other side in the division (19), including a league-high seven from set pieces.
They have the joint-second most shots (46) on target in the league, only behind Hibernian, and have the best conversion rate (15.3%).
Defensively, only Celtic (5) have conceded fewer and only the reigning champions (6.14) better Hearts’ expected-goals against tally (6.72).
They rank better than Rangers, who were humbled by Norway’s Brann in the Europa League on Thursday, in nearly every department except possession and passes completed.
“If you’re a Hearts fan going into the Celtic game next week, the expectation is ‘we can do them’,” said former Rangers forward Steven Thompson on Sportsound.
“That shift in psyche is great. I don’t see it diminishing and I think they will be there or thereabouts for a long period of time.”
Despite the rampant optimism surrounding Hearts, Michael Stewart is not yet convinced his former club have got what it takes to pull off the improbable and take the title away from Glasgow for the first time in 40 years.
“Hearts have got a wonderful opportunity to land a hefty blow on Celtic,” he said. “The potential of going eight points clear after nine games is quite incredible.
“Of course they have a chance to win the title. Are they going to do it? I don’t think so, realistically.
“What’s apparent is they have a real opportunity of getting second. I think they are favourites for that. “