RANGERS will be bidding to bounce back from their bruising Old Firm defeat when they play host to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
The reigning champions have been knocked off their perch after suffering a 3-0 loss to their bitter rivals in midweek, on a night where my Parkhead corner punt provided profit.
That desperate first-half display condemned Giovanni van Bronckhorst to his first defeat as Gers boss, meaning his side have now dropped points in three of their last four top flight fixtures.
The Dutchman is now tasked with lifting the Teddy Bears' spirits in the dressing room ahead of Sunday's visit from Hearts.
Following their promotion back from the second tier last season, the Jambos have enjoyed a seamless transition into life back in the top flight, with Robbie Nielson’s side firmly in the driving seat when it comes to finishing” best of the rest”.
Last time out, Hearts played out a 0-0 draw with Edinburgh rivals Hibernian and many would argue that the visitors were unlucky not to come away from Easter Road with all three points.
Outright Betting
Despite their dip in form, Rangers are heavily fancied 4/9 (SBK) favourites to make it seven home wins on the spin in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts picked up a point on their previous trip to Ibrox this season but the same outcome on Sunday is an unfancied 37/10 (SBK) while an away win is trading at a towering 7/1 (SBK).
Betting Angles
Rangers are worthy favourites here but they are unlikely to have things all their own way and with that in mind, being able to support Hearts with a +1.25 start on the Asain Handicap holds appeal at 10/11 (Bet 365).
This selection would deliver a half-stakes profit should the Jambos lose by exactly one goal and we would pocket a full-stakes pay-out should the capital club avoid defeat in Govan.
As already alluded, Rangers have wobbled since the winter break and it is unlikely they will get much in the way of respite this weekend.
Robbie Nielson has forged a resolute side that are rarely blown away by their opponents, with the Tynecastle team losing just five league games this season so far, three of which were by just a one-goal losing margin.
What's more, the Gorgie guests enter this contest boasting a better defensive record than that of their more illustrious opponents, not to mention nine of Hearts' last 11 top flight road trips have featured two goals or fewer.
Therefore, they should prove a tough nut to crack for the home side, who are enduring a particularly sticky patch at the moment, so with all things considered, the visitors do look like an appealing play with a +1.25 start on the Asian Handicap at 10/11 (Bet 365)
Elsewhere, the even-money (Bet 365) about Hearts to hit over corners during this encounter also looks rather enticing.
Neilson's preferred system focuses on width from his wing-backs and it's also worth noting that Scottish Premiership lesser lights Livingston and Ross County have reached the 4+ flagkick line when faced with Rangers in recent weeks.
This Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hearts will be played on Feb 6, 2022 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Rangers vs Hearts prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.