Rangers vs Hibernian predictions ahead of this Scottish Premiership clash. Rangers aim to defeat Hibernian at home on Saturday to reclaim the top spot in the Scottish Premiership standings. Read on for our free Scottish League Cup predictions and betting tips.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 31 – Mar 30, 2024 at 3pm UK at Ibrox Stadium
Rangers vs Hibernian Predictions
Don’t Have a Fitzdares Account? Click Below To Claim this Offer👇
A Tactical Chess Match at Ibrox: Strategies and Stakes
Key Stats
– Rangers have scored in all but one of their last eleven home league games, with Tavernier contributing to a significant number of these goals.
– Hibernian’s resilience is underscored by only one defeat in their last eight, yet they face a historical challenge, having been outscored 0-9 by Rangers this season.
– Set pieces could be Hibernian’s downfall, with Rangers scoring a notable percentage of their goals from such situations, highlighting the tactical battleground that awaits.
As Rangers play host to Hibernian on a crucial Saturday afternoon at Ibrox, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Rangers aiming to reclaim the summit of the Scottish Premiership and Hibernian seeking to maintain their position in the top six, this match promises to be a pivotal moment in their seasons.
The Tactical Battlefield: Midfield Dominance and Wing Play
Rangers’ strategy under Philippe Clement has been about control and creativity, particularly in midfield. The likes of John Lundstram and Todd Cantwell are expected to be at the heart of Rangers’ efforts to dictate the pace and flow of the game. Their ability to combine defensive solidity with attacking incursions will be crucial. On the flanks, James Tavernier’s marauding runs from right-back offer Rangers a dual threat, both in open play and set-piece situations, where Tavernier’s precision can turn the game on its head.
Hibernian, under Nick Montgomery, have shown resilience and an ability to strike on the counter. The midfield battle, particularly the duel between Rangers’ creative forces and Hibernian’s combative trio, including Joe Newell, will be key. Newell’s performances have been a bright spot for Hibs, and his role in both disrupting Rangers’ playmakers and initiating Hibs’ attacks will be critical.
The Deciding Factors: Set Pieces and Tactical Flexibility
Set pieces could prove to be Hibernian’s Achilles’ heel, given Rangers’ potency from these situations. Tavernier’s delivery and the aerial threat posed by Connor Goldson and others make Rangers particularly dangerous. Hibernian will need to be disciplined and vigilant to neutralise this threat.
Tactical flexibility could also play a pivotal role. Clement has shown a willingness to adapt his approach mid-game, and how Montgomery counters any tactical shifts from the Rangers bench could determine Hibs’ fortunes. The ability of both teams to adjust to the ebb and flow of the match, exploiting weaknesses and shoring up their defences, will likely decide the outcome.
Expected Lineups and Their Impact
Rangers are expected to line up with a potent mix of experience and attacking flair, with Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Yilmaz; Diomande, Lundstram; Wright, Lawrence, Silva; Dessers leading the line. The inclusion of Tavernier and Goldson adds a significant threat from set pieces, while Dessers will be the focal point of Rangers’ attack.
Hibernian’s probable lineup of Marshall; Cadden, Fish, Bushiri, Obita; Triantis, Newell; Youan, Marcondes, Maolida; Le Fondre suggests a balanced approach, with a focus on solidity and counter-attacking through the pace of Youan and the guile of Marcondes.
Predictions and Rationale
Best Bet: Rangers to Win and Both Teams to Score
Rangers, with their superior firepower and the tactical acumen of Clement, are poised to dominate. However, Hibernian’s recent form and fighting spirit, coupled with their ability to score against the run of play, suggest they will not go quietly. Expect Rangers to secure a victory, but Hibernian’s attack is likely to breach Rangers’ defence at least once.
Correct Score: Rangers 3-1 Hibernian
Considering the attacking capabilities of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring affair seems probable. Rangers’ offensive prowess, especially at Ibrox, and their motivation to top the Premiership table make a 3-1 victory the most plausible outcome, aligning with the rationale of our Best Bet.
Goalscorer Prediction: James Tavernier to Score
Tavernier’s influence on Rangers’ play, particularly in attacking set pieces and his ability to find the back of the net from the right-back position, makes him a prime candidate to score. His knack for crucial goals in important fixtures adds weight to this prediction.
Corner Prediction: Rangers to Have More Corners and Total Corners Over 10
Rangers’ attacking style, coupled with their preference for wing play, often results in a high number of corners. Given Hibernian’s likely defensive posture and propensity to clear under pressure, expect Rangers to win more corners. The game’s dynamics, with both sides pushing forward at different intervals, suggest a total exceeding 10 corners is likely.
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
