A week on from their humiliating home defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, Rangers make the trip to the capital to take on Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers suffered arguably their most embarrassing defeat in their 153-year history last Sunday, as they were dumped out of the Scottish Cup at home to Championship side Queen’s Park.
That Scottish Cup elimination has pretty much ended Rangers' season domestically, with Phillipe Clement’s side already beaten finalists in the League Cup and 13 points behind leaders Celtic and 16 in front of third-placed Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership table.
Phillipe Clement’s side do travel to Gorgie having won each of their previous four Premiership matches, but three of those came at Ibrox.
Hearts, on the other hand, did make it to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup, as they knocked out St Mirren on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Neil Critchley’s side have been climbing the table in recent weeks, thanks to a six-match unbeaten run, with their 0-6 thrashing of Dundee at Dens Park last time out saw both of my selections land.
How the bookies view it: Gers unconvincing favourites
Despite their poor away record this season, BoyleSports make Rangers 4/6 favourites to leave with all three points.
The same firm makes Hearts 10/3 underdogs to heap more pressure on Phillipe Clement, whilst the draw is 11/4.
Head to head: Rangers Dominance of late
Perhaps a little surprisingly, Rangers are unbeaten in each of their past 17 meetings with The Jambos (W13-D4-L0), winning 1-0 in their last meeting at Ibrox in November.
However, the last two meetings at Tynecastle have finished in a draw, including a goalless draw on the opening match of the season.
Players to watch: Elton to continue scoring
New Hearts signing Elton Kabangu has made an immediate impact since signing on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, with the Belgian bagging five goals in his last four appearances.
Hamza Igamane has been one of the few shining lights for Rangers this season, but the Moroccan is without a goal in his last appearances for the club.
Probable line-ups
Hearts will be without defenders Stephen Kingsley, Frankie Kent and Craig Halkett.
Rangers are missing defenders Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Dujon Sterling, as well as winger Oscar Cortes.
Hearts: Gordon, Forrester, Neilson, McCart, Penrice, Devlin, Baningime, Spittal, Drammeh, Kabangu, Shankland
Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Propper, Souttar, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Hagi, Cerny, Bajrami, Igamane
Anything else catch the eye?
Rangers have a wretched away record domestically this season, picking up just 16 points from a possible 36 (W4-D4-L4), and whilst they won away to third-placed Dundee United in their last away trip, you simply can’t back them here.
As alluded to above, Hearts are in the midst of a six-game unbeaten run in the Premiership, winning four of their last five, and will fancy their chances against their under-pressure visitors.
The Jambos have drawn their last two Premiership matches with Rangers at Tynecastle, and I’m backing them to avoid defeat in the capital on Sunday.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Rangers will be played on Feb 16, 2025 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Hearts vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
