Hearts vs Rangers predictions for this Scottish Premiership curtain raiser. Hearts host Rangers at Tynecastle Park in the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership opener, aiming for a strong start to their title campaigns. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 1 | Aug 3, 2024 at 12.30pm UK Tynecastle Park
Hearts vs Rangers Predictions
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Can Hearts Halt Rangers’ Winning Start at Tynecastle?
Key Stats
Rangers have not lost in their last 15 meetings with Hearts, winning 12.
Hearts scored eight goals in their final three Premiership games last season.
Cyriel Dessers has scored four goals in three matches against Hearts in 2024.
In the inaugural match of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season, Hearts will host Rangers at Tynecastle Park, aiming to set the tone for a title challenge. Both teams have shown promise, but it is Rangers who are favoured to come out on top in this highly anticipated clash.
Team Form and Recent Performances
Hearts’ Form and Prospects
Hearts will be buoyed by their performance in the 2023-24 season, where they finished third with 68 points from 38 matches. This marked a significant improvement from the previous season, with an increase of 14 points and a reduction of 15 goals conceded. Their home form has been particularly impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 Premiership matches at Tynecastle Park, which included notable results like a 2-0 victory over Celtic and a 3-3 draw against Rangers.
However, their form at the end of the season was inconsistent, with only one win in their last six matches across all competitions. Manager Steven Naismith, in his first full season at the helm, navigated through some challenges, including taking on a technical director role due to a lack of UEFA coaching licences, before officially becoming head coach in September. His record of 23 wins, seven draws, and 10 losses reflects a solid foundation but leaves room for improvement.
Rangers' Form and Prospects
Rangers, despite finishing 17 points clear of Hearts last season, fell short in their title challenge against Celtic, ending eight points behind the champions. Their total of 85 points was seven fewer than the previous season and significantly lower than the 102 points they amassed in their last title-winning campaign in 2020-21. Under the management of Philippe Clement, who took over in October, Rangers remained unbeaten in their first 10 league matches, securing nine wins and seven clean sheets.
This strong start included a dramatic 2-1 win over Hearts, highlighting their resilience. However, their form waned towards the season's end, with only four wins in their final 10 Premiership matches and a loss to Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. Their pre-season has also been less than stellar, with three losses in four matches, mirroring Hearts' struggles in friendlies.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Hearts
Hearts will welcome Stephen Kingsley back from a calf injury, bolstering their defence. The only absentees are Calem Nieuwenhof and Beni Baningime. New signing James Penrice could make his competitive debut at left-back, while Malachi Boateng might feature if his transfer is completed in time.
Hearts Possible Starting Lineup: Clark; Taylor, Rowles, Kingsley, Penrice; Devlin, Spittal; Oda, Dhanda, McKay; Shankland.
Rangers
Rangers might be without Dujon Sterling due to injury. The squad has seen eight new additions, with Connor Barron and Vaclav Cerny potential debutants. Todd Cantwell is likely to miss out after handing in a transfer request.
Rangers Possible Starting Lineup: Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Jefte; Diomande, Barron; Cerny, Lawrence, Cortes; Dessers.
Key Areas of the Match
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Hearts' Devlin and Spittal facing off against Rangers' Diomande and Barron. The defensive resilience of Kingsley and Rowles will be tested by Rangers' attacking threats, particularly Dessers and Lawrence. Tavernier's overlapping runs and crossing ability from right-back could also pose significant challenges for Hearts' defence.
Gameplay Analysis and Tactical Approaches
Rangers are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their superior passing accuracy and ball retention. Their 62.6% average possession last season underscores their ability to control the game. Hearts, with their solid home form, will likely adopt a counter-attacking strategy, relying on quick transitions and exploiting any defensive lapses from Rangers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Hearts
Strengths: Hearts' defensive solidity at home and their ability to score in crucial moments make them formidable. The return of key players like Kingsley adds to their defensive robustness.
Weaknesses: Their inconsistency towards the end of last season and limited squad depth could be potential drawbacks. Naismith's inexperience as a full-time head coach might also be a factor under pressure.
Rangers
Strengths: Rangers boast a balanced squad with significant attacking prowess. Clement’s strategic nous has turned them into a resilient unit, particularly noted for their ability to win under pressure.
Weaknesses: Their dip in form towards the end of last season and poor pre-season results suggest vulnerability. The absence of key players like Cantwell could impact their midfield creativity.
Managerial Analysis and Critique
Steven Naismith (Hearts)
Naismith's tenure has been a mixed bag. While he managed to steer Hearts to a respectable third-place finish, his lack of experience and UEFA coaching licences initially raised concerns. His tactical decisions have sometimes been questionable, particularly in high-stakes matches, where his team often struggled to maintain composure.
Philippe Clement (Rangers)
Clement has brought a level of stability and tactical discipline to Rangers. However, his inability to sustain a title challenge last season and the team's poor finish have attracted criticism. His approach in crucial matches against top rivals like Celtic has been found wanting, and his handling of pre-season preparations has left much to be desired.
Predictions and Betting Angles
Best Bet: Rangers -1 to Win
Given Rangers' consistent performance in the Scottish Premiership, betting on them to win by at least one goal against Hearts is a sound strategy. Historically, Rangers have demonstrated dominance over Hearts, remaining unbeaten in their last 15 encounters, winning 12 of those matches. This form suggests a clear upper hand.
Additionally, Rangers' strong away record and ability to perform under pressure further bolster this prediction. Despite their shaky pre-season, Rangers' squad depth and the tactical acumen of Philippe Clement make them likely to secure a convincing victory. Hearts, while formidable at home, have shown vulnerabilities, particularly towards the end of last season, which Rangers are well-equipped to exploit.
Correct Score Prediction: Hearts 1-3 Rangers
Analysing the attacking prowess of Rangers and the defensive weaknesses of Hearts, a 3-1 victory for the visitors seems plausible. Rangers scored an average of 2.3 goals per game last season, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Despite Hearts' decent home form, their tendency to concede goals, especially against stronger teams, is a critical factor.
Moreover, Rangers' ability to bounce back from early setbacks, as seen in their previous 2-1 win over Hearts, indicates they can score multiple goals. While Hearts may find the net due to Rangers' occasional defensive lapses, the overall strength of Rangers’ attack, featuring players like Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier, should secure a comprehensive win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Cyriel Dessers to Score
Cyriel Dessers' record against Hearts makes him a prime candidate to score in this match. He has netted four goals in three meetings with Hearts in 2024, highlighting his ability to perform in these encounters. Dessers' clinical finishing and positioning make him a constant threat in the box.
His understanding with teammates, coupled with Rangers' attacking style, provides ample scoring opportunities. Dessers’ form and confidence will be crucial, especially with key players like Todd Cantwell potentially missing. Given Rangers' offensive setup and the defensive frailties of Hearts, Dessers is well-placed to add to his tally.
Corner Prediction: Rangers to Have More Corners
Rangers' attacking approach and their average of 7.7 corners per game last season suggest they will dominate the corner count against Hearts. With their strategy focusing on high pressing and wing play, Rangers consistently create opportunities leading to corners. Hearts, likely to adopt a counter-attacking stance, will spend more time defending, thereby conceding more corners.
Rangers' ability to maintain possession and pressure the opposition defence aligns with this prediction. Expecting a total of around 10 corners in the match is reasonable, with Rangers contributing the majority due to their relentless attacking style and ability to force defensive errors.
Innovative Prediction: Total Team Shots on Target Over 6.5
Rangers' attacking mindset, evidenced by their average of 7.6 shots on target per game last season, supports the prediction that they will have over 6.5 shots on target against Hearts. Their forward line, including players like Dessers and Tavernier, regularly test the opposition goalkeeper. Given Hearts' defensive record and tendency to allow shooting opportunities, Rangers are likely to exceed this threshold.
The tactical emphasis on creating and capitalising on goal-scoring chances will be central to Rangers' approach. This prediction also considers the expected open nature of the game, with both teams eager to start the season strongly, resulting in numerous attempts on goal.
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