Written By: Kevin Mac, , Match Preview

RANGERS haven't put a foot wrong in the Premiership since an Old Firm defeat at Parkhead left them 13 points behind Celtic at the top.

And it's perhaps no co-incidence that those four successive victories, which cut the gap to just nine going into the last three games, have come while Alfredo Morelos has been kicking his heels on the sidelines.

The Colombian's senseless red card against Celtic, his fifth of the season, saw him land a four-game ban and forced Steven Gerrard to give Jermain Defoe a run of games up front.

The former England striker arrived on loan from Bournemouth in January to much fanfare alongside fellow big name Steven Davis.

But both experienced players found it hard to break into Gerrard's side, with Morelos getting the nod up front and others preferred to Davis in midfield.

They are now finally enjoying regular football and Rangers look a far better unit as a result, claiming two comfortable wins over Hearts and triumphs over Motherwell and Aberdeen.

So it will be interesting to see if Gerrard resists the temptation to throw Morelos back in now that his latest suspension has been served.

The Ibrox boss insisted Defoe was now his main man up front after his strike against the Jambos so that suggests the former Spurs star will start this one.

Defoe is 11/4 to break the deadlock with McBookie and just 8/11 for anytime scorer, which doesn't offer much value. Instead, go for midfielder Scott Arfield, who boasts four goals in his last four games, or penalty king James Tavernier.

Arfield is 11/8 with McBookie to net at any time while Tavernier is a generous 13/4 with 888 Sport, given Rangers have been awarded 17 penalties this season, including two in their last game.

If you fancy ref Bobby Madden to take that number to 18, William Hill are offering a tempting 3/1 on a spot-kick being awarded in the match.

Given Rangers' recent form, they are merited 1/2 favourites with most firms but it shouldn't be forgotten that Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom remains unbeaten in the league since taking over back in February.

The last three league meetings between the sides have also ended in stalemates so backing the draw at 18/5 with William Hill might not be the worst idea.

All those games were pretty tight, with under 2.5 strikes in each match, so try backing a repeat at 101/100 with Marathonbet.

Hibs are at pretty much full strength, with only long-term crocks Martin Boyle and Ryan Porteous out, while Gers have a doubt over Ryan Jack, who is suffering from a throat infection.

This match between Rangers and Hibernian will be played on May 5, 2019 and kick off at 15:30. Check below for our tipsters best Rangers vs Hibernian prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.

Betting Tips and Predicitions
Scott Arfield anytime scorer
11/8
McBookie
Penalty to be awarded
3/1
William Hill
Under 2.5 goals
101/100
McBookie

Please gamble responsibly. For assistance with problem gambling please visit GambleAware.co.uk

VIEW MORE FREE TIPS