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Hearts vs Rangers Predictions - Goals tipped for Scottish league opener

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 31 Jul 2024

Ralph Staniforth 31 Jul 2024

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Expect a high-scoring game with over 2.5 goals.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) predicted in Edinburgh.
Hearts unbeaten in last 11 home games at Tynecastle.

Expired

Lawrence Shankland will lead the Hearts attack on Saturday (Getty)

Hearts vs Rangers Preview

We expect a high-scoring encounter in the opening game of the Scottish League in Tynecastle. There is value on at least three goals and BTTS.

Hearts vs Rangers Preview
Head to Head
Hearts Form
Hearts Team News
Rangers Form
Rangers Team News

Hearts have seen over 2.5 goals in 9 of their last 11 matches
Hearts have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 5 home matches
Hearts have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches
Rangers have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches
Rangers have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 away matches

Head to Head

Hearts and Rangers have faced each other on 36 previous occasions since 2014. Rangers lead the H2H record with 24 wins to six during that period. Unbeaten in their last 15 meetings against the Jambos, Rangers won five and drew one of their last six encounters.

At least three goals were scored in five of their last six contests at Tynecastle.

Hearts Form

Hearts face their first competitive fixture of the season after a disappointing pre-season campaign saw them lose all three matches. The Jambos leaked ten goals in defeats against Leyton Orient (2-1), Tottenham (5-1), and Fleetwood Town (3-0) in July.

While finishing third in the Premiership last season, the Jambos failed to win six of their last nine league matches (W3, D4, L2).

Despite recent inconsistencies, Stevie Naismith's side remain unbeaten in their last 11 competitive matches at Tynecastle.

Hearts Team News

Steven Naismith has a near-fully fit squad available ahead of the Premiership kick-off on Saturday. Austrian midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof is the only absentee with a tendon issue.

Despite persistent transfer speculation linking Lawrence Shankland with a move to Rangers, last season's Premiership player of the year will lead the Hearts attack.

Rangers Form

A new-look Rangers side make the trip to Edinburgh hoping to improve upon a poor run of pre-season results. The Gers lost three and drew one of four summer friendly fixtures against Ajax, Manchester United, Birmingham and Union Berlin.

Phillipe Clement's men have failed to win ten of 14 games played since the end of March, including four of their last five away Premiership contests.

The Gers have a good record in Edinburgh, though, with victories collected in six of their last seven trips to Tynecastle.

Rangers Team News

Rangers have undergone dramatic surgery over the summer, with nine first-team players departing in recent weeks. Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe and Conor Goldson are among those who have left the club.

New signings Vaclav Cerny, Jefte and Connor Barron could all make their competitive debuts on Saturday. On the injury front, Nico Raskin is the only expected absentee for Clement's side.

Verdict

Hearts v Rangers

This fixture usually delivers in the goal department, and I see no reason for that to change on Saturday.

Over 2.5 goals is my preferred pick, while I also expect BTTS to land in Edinburgh.

Over 2.5 goals

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