HIBERNIAN will be hoping Rangers have one eye on their massive European date in Eindhoven when Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men pitch up at Easter Road for this SPFL Premiership lunchtime date.
This game falls between both legs of a Champions League play-off with PSV and Gers are still in the hunt for a place in the group stage after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Ibrox in midweek.
It was a good night for the MFT team as both myself and Mark banked on goals flying in at both ends but it's back to domestic action for Rangers as they bid to make it four wins from four in the Premiership.
Kilmarnock and St Johnstone were swatted aside at Ibrox in their last two league games but Hibs have the firepower to ask more questions of van Bronckhorst's defence.
It has been a mixed bag for the Hibees so far under new gaffer Lee Johnson, with a win, a draw and a defeat from their first three Premiership games.
It was always going to take Johnson time to bed in all his summer signings and that explains their inconsistency, with the high of a late derby leveller followed by the low of defeat to bogey team Livingston last time out.
But if they can take something off Rangers in this clash then it will provide Hibernian with the momentum to get their season back on track again.
How the bookies view it
With Hibs still a work in progress it's no surprise to Rangers as hot favourites at a best 7/11 at SBK. Johnson's side are as big as 5/1 with LiveScoreBet while the draw pays 16/5 at Betfred.
Recent head to head
Hibs memorably beat Rangers 3-1 in the League Cup semi-final last season (below) but the Ibrox men have bossed it in the Premiership of late, winning six in a row in this fixture.
Since a 2-1 victory at Ibrox in 2018, the Easter Road side have gone 15 games without a league win over Rangers. There was only one clash in Leith last season and Gers won it with a late Kemar Roofe penalty.
Players to watch
After coming off the bench in the last two games, returning Hibs hero Martin Boyle could be unleashed from the start against Rangers. He scored a hat-trick against them in that semi-final win last season and is a tempting 11/4 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
I'd expect van Bronckhorst to make a few changes with some of his players looking a bit weary towards the end of that epic game with PSV. Scott Arfield could return to midfield and is a bit overpriced at 4/1 with Bet365 for a goal, having chipped in with two already this term.
Anything else catch the eye?
Rangers have kept clean sheets in their last two league games but that was mainly because Killie and St Johnstone parked the bus and tried to frustrate them. I'd be surprised if Hibernian did the same thing as they have a lot of attacking talent so I fancy BTTS here at 10/11 with Bet365. Over 2.5 goals also looks good and it's the same price with the same firm.
Sparks usually fly when these sides face off, with Ryan Porteous and Alfredo Morelos leading the chaos. It's unsure if Morelos will start in this one so backing Porteous for a card looks the best bet at 2/1 with Bet365.
Backing Rangers for corners has paid off for me in the last two weeks so I'll stick with that market here. In the handicap, Rangers -2 pays 6/5 at BetVictor and that appeals as they should be on the front foot for most of the match.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Rangers will be played on Aug 20, 2022 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hibernian vs Rangers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
