Hearts vs Rangers Predictions

Hearts vs Rangers predictions for their Scottish Premiership clash. Rangers, contemplating missed opportunities, face third-placed Hearts in their final Premiership game of the season along the M8. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 34 – May 18, 2024 at 12:30pm UK at Tynecastle Park

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Hearts vs Rangers Predictions

Hearts vs Rangers: Injury-Hit Rangers Face a Stiff Challenge in Edinburgh Finale

In the closing match of the Scottish Premiership season, Hearts host Rangers at Tynecastle Park, with both teams having different motivations to end their campaigns on a high note. Hearts, secure in their third-place finish, look to avenge their previous defeats against Rangers and provide their fans with a memorable performance. Rangers, on the other hand, aim to bounce back from a disappointing season finale in the league and build momentum ahead of their Scottish Cup final against Celtic.

Expected Lineups

Hearts:

• Goalkeeper: Gordon
• Defenders: Sibbick, Kent, Rowles, Lembikisa, Cochrane
• Midfielders: Denholm, Devlin, Fraser
• Forwards: Forrest, Tagawa

Rangers:

• Goalkeeper: Butland
• Defenders: Tavernier, Davies, King, Ridvan
• Midfielders: Raskin, Diomande, Cantwell
• Forwards: Silva, McCausland, Wright

The lineups reflect both teams’ injury concerns, particularly Rangers who are missing key players like Connor Goldson and Danilo. Hearts will miss Calem Nieuwenhof, Craig Halkett, and Peter Haring, which could affect their defensive solidity.

Team Analysis

Hearts: Hearts have shown decent form this season, securing a solid third place in the league. Their attacking stats reveal a team capable of creating opportunities, averaging 13.4 shots per game with 4.5 on target. Lawrence Shankland has been the standout performer, netting 23 goals and showcasing his clinical finishing.

Defensively, they’ve maintained a respectable record with 16 clean sheets, although they concede 1.1 goals per game on average. Hearts’ ability to win duels and recover the ball is critical, but they’ve struggled against Rangers, failing to win in their last 14 encounters.

Rangers: Rangers have the second strongest attack in the league, scoring an impressive 84 goals over the season. Their attacking trio of James Tavernier, Cyriel Dessers, and Abdallah Sima has been prolific, contributing a combined 44 goals. Defensively, they are solid, conceding only 29 goals and keeping 18 clean sheets.

Their ability to control possession and execute accurate passes, particularly in the opposition half, highlights their dominance in games. Despite their recent struggles and injury issues, Rangers possess the depth and quality to pose significant challenges for Hearts.

Key Matchups

Lawrence Shankland vs James Tavernier: Shankland, Hearts’ leading scorer, will be pivotal in breaking down Rangers’ defence. Tavernier, known for his attacking prowess from the back, will need to balance his forward runs with his defensive responsibilities to contain Shankland.

Todd Cantwell vs Cammy Devlin: Cantwell’s creativity and vision will be crucial for Rangers in midfield. Devlin, Hearts’ midfield engine, will have to disrupt Cantwell’s rhythm and win the midfield battles to give Hearts a fighting chance.

Gameplay Predictions

The match is likely to be an intense and competitive affair. Hearts, with the support of their home crowd, will aim to press high and create chances early on. Their approach will be aggressive, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from a Rangers side dealing with several injuries.

Rangers, despite their absentees, will rely on their structured play and ball control. They will likely dominate possession, using their midfield to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities through their dynamic forwards. Set-pieces could play a crucial role, given Tavernier’s proficiency in dead-ball situations.

Strategic Insights

Hearts:

• Strengths: Efficient in creating chances from open play, strong in aerial duels, and capable of fast counter-attacks.
• Weaknesses: Vulnerability to quick transitions, occasional lapses in defensive concentration, and reliance on Shankland for goals.

Rangers:

• Strengths: Strong attacking options, solid defensive record, and high passing accuracy.
• Weaknesses: Injury-depleted squad, potential over-reliance on key players, and susceptibility to quick counter-attacks.

Managerial Analysis: Philippe Clement for Rangers has been adept at managing games tactically, although his rotation policy might be questioned if key players are rested ahead of the cup final. Steven Naismith of Hearts will be keen to end the season positively, but his side’s previous failures against Rangers could indicate tactical shortcomings in high-stakes games.

Expected Goals Analysis

Hearts have averaged 1.4 goals per game, while Rangers have a higher average of 2.3 goals per game. These figures suggest that while Rangers are more prolific in front of goal, Hearts also have the potential to score, especially with a player like Shankland leading the line. Defensively, Rangers concede less frequently than Hearts, indicating a possible edge in maintaining a tighter defence.

Predictions

Best Bet: Hearts/Draw Double Chance

Given the current circumstances surrounding Rangers, the Hearts/Draw Double Chance bet presents itself as the most sensible option. Rangers are grappling with a significant injury list, missing crucial players like Connor Goldson, Danilo, and several others. This weakens their defensive stability and attacking options considerably. Additionally, with the Scottish Cup final against Celtic on the horizon, manager Philippe Clement might prioritise resting his key players to avoid further injuries, leading to a potentially under-strength side taking the field.

Hearts, meanwhile, are motivated to end their season on a high, particularly in front of their home fans at Tynecastle. With Lawrence Shankland in superb form, having netted 23 goals this season, they possess the firepower to trouble an injury-ravaged Rangers defence. Furthermore, Hearts’ recent performances have shown resilience and an ability to compete, as evidenced by their spirited 2-2 draw against St Mirren. Combining these factors, Hearts are well-positioned to either win or secure a draw in this fixture, making the double chance a favourable bet.

Correct Score Prediction: Rangers to Win 2-1

Despite the considerable injury woes plaguing Rangers, they still possess enough quality to edge out a narrow victory against Hearts. Rangers’ attacking prowess, led by players like James Tavernier and Todd Cantwell, who are capable of creating and converting chances, suggests they will find the back of the net. Rangers have averaged 2.3 goals per game this season, indicating their offensive capabilities remain strong.

However, their weakened defence, coupled with Hearts’ attacking threat, particularly from Lawrence Shankland, means they are likely to concede. Shankland’s ability to score against tough defences will ensure Hearts do not go down without a fight. Thus, a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Rangers seems plausible. This prediction aligns with the expectation that while Rangers will have the upper hand, Hearts’ persistence will result in them scoring at least once.

Goalscorer Prediction: Lawrence Shankland to Score Anytime

Lawrence Shankland has been the standout performer for Hearts this season, scoring 23 goals and proving to be a reliable finisher. His knack for finding the net, even against formidable defences, underlines his importance to the team. Against a Rangers side missing key defenders, Shankland’s chances of scoring increase significantly.

Rangers have shown defensive vulnerabilities recently, conceding in their last four matches. This, combined with Shankland’s lethal finishing and positioning, makes him a strong candidate to score. Hearts will look to exploit Rangers’ weakened backline, and Shankland will be at the forefront of their attacking efforts. His goal-scoring form and ability to capitalise on defensive lapses make him an excellent bet to score anytime during the match.

Corners Prediction: Rangers to Win More Corners; Total Corners Over 10

Rangers’ style of play, characterised by their dominance in possession and frequent attacking forays, typically results in a high number of corners. They average 7.7 corners per game, reflecting their ability to pressure opponents and create set-piece opportunities. Despite their injury issues, their attacking intent remains intact, likely leading to numerous corners in this match.

Hearts, on the other hand, average 6.5 corners per game, indicating their own propensity to force set-pieces. Given the attacking nature of both teams, the match is expected to be open and competitive, with multiple opportunities for corners. Therefore, predicting Rangers to win more corners, combined with a total exceeding 10 corners, aligns with the data and expected gameplay dynamics. Both teams’ attacking tendencies suggest a high corner count is very likely.

Innovative Market: Todd Cantwell to Register an Assist

Todd Cantwell’s creative role in Rangers’ midfield makes him a pivotal figure in their attacking play. With six goals to his name this season, Cantwell’s vision and passing ability are crucial for unlocking defences and creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. In a match where Rangers are likely to dominate possession, Cantwell will have ample chances to influence the game.

Given Rangers’ need to field a somewhat rotated squad due to injuries, Cantwell’s experience and creativity will be relied upon even more. His ability to deliver precise passes and create space in the opposition’s defence makes him a strong candidate to register an assist. With forwards like James Tavernier and Abdallah Sima looking to capitalise on his service, Cantwell’s influence on the game is expected to be significant, justifying the prediction of him providing at least one assist during the match.

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