Hearts vs Inverness
24 April 1500hrs
Football – Scotland – Championship
Pick Both teams to score
Bookmaker Betfair
Odds: 20/23 odds taken 2000 GMT, Thursday 22 April
Hearts have sealed the Championship title and will be playing in the top-flight next season whilst opponents Inverness are looking for the points that give them a chance of joining them.
Table of Contents
Hearts Preview – Can Hearts’ mark trophy presentation day with another home win?
It was essentially inevitable before a ball was kicked in the Championship season but Hearts clinched the title and confirmed their place in next season’s Premiership a couple of weeks back. They have not made easy work of it at times but have certainly been the best team in the division, as you would expect from a club with such resources at this level.
The Tynecastle club prepare for the last home match of the season having won just one of their last six in all competitions. It’s been a really disappointing run with an embarrassing defeat to non-league Brora Rangers in the Scottish Cup. That result definitely scarred them and it’s been their away form in the main which has been the issue.
Hearts’ last win on their travels came back in the first week of February, they’ve since drawn their last five away games in the league. Contrast that to their form at home which has been strong with 10 wins in 13 and scoring 41 goals in the process.
Liam Boyce has been the outstanding striker in this year’s Championship and will be looking to add to his 14 goals so far, including a hat-trick in the recent 6-0 win against relegated Alloa.
Inverness Preview – Can Caley get the result they need to keep themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot?
Neil McCann has done a good job since becoming interim manager at Inverness but he will see the work his team have to do in the closing couple of matches if they are to realise their aim of finishing in the top four and entering the promotions playoffs.
Caley have been in the top four of late following a strong spell which seen them win four straight – a run which includes big wins of promotion rivals Raith Rovers and Dunfermilne. It was also telling that they kept clean sheets in three of those games. It’s been a different story in the last two games, though, with a pair of 1-1 draws against Queen of the South and Dundee. The latter of those games may have lasting damage with two sending offs.
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As such, Inverness come into this game in fifth place and a point behind Dunfermilne. While they can still catch Dundee in third it does look like a straight shootout between themselves and the Pars.
Inverness complete their season with a home game against Ayr United who are involved in the relegation battle so will be desperate for points themselves but it does look a good opportunity for three points.
Hearts vs Inverness Betting Advice
Hearts will receive the trophy on Saturday but it’s Inverness who will be keen to ensure they leave the game with all three points. If they lose and Dunfermilne win then they would be unable to overtake that rival and finish in the playoff zone. Due to Hearts’ indifferent form down the last stretch, it’s unlikely they will be in a charitable mood, though.
The two previous meetings between the two in the league have been close. Hearts won 2-1 at Tynecastle whilst the teams drew 1-1 in their most recent clash in the Highlands.
Key Facts – Hearts vs Inverness Betting Tip
- Hearts will be playing top-flight football next season having clinched the Championship title earlier this month
- Inverness sit one place and one point outside the playoff spots with two games left to play
- There’s been little to choose between the teams this season with a 2-1 win for Hearts followed by a 1-1 draw
It’s hard one to call in terms of the result so I’m happy to side with both teams to score. It’s been a winner in both games between the two in the league already whilst it’s occurred in six of Inverness’ last seven games, as well as seven of Hearts’ last 10 at home.
Best Betting Odds for Hearts vs Inverness
