Hibernian vs Rangers
20 December 1945hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathonbet
Odds: 59/100 odds taken 2000 GMT, Thursday 19 December)
Rangers are now five points behind Celtic and travel to Edinburgh on Friday knowing they need to get the win. Hibernian are looking to continue their improvement under Jack Ross and recover from last weekend’s defeat.
Scottish Premiership Betting at Marathonbet
Hibernian vs Rangers Live Stats & Betting Odds
Hibernian Preview – Can Hibs bounce back from last week’s defeat to Celtic and make amends on Friday?
There’s no doubt Hibernian have improved since a change of manager but the first six games under Jack Ross have shown they are still blighted by inconsistencies. That should not be hugely surprising considering Ross is working with the same group of players and has barely been in charge for more than a month. The last six games have returned three victories and two defeats – the most recent of those coming last weekend at the home of the champions. In truth, anything they got out of that would have been a massive bonus. There were some positive aspects of the performance but Hibs failed to muster a shot on target and that’s something they have to improve on.
Easter Road may not be a fortress but it is a difficult place for visiting teams to win. Hearts, in the Edinburgh derby, are the only team to leave with three points. That includes Celtic who had to make do with a 1-1 draw. Since that game Hibs have won twice and drawn three at home. Their best performance of the season seen them defeat Aberdeen 3-0 in their last home game. It’s that level of performance, and more, which they require if they are to take anything from tomorrow’s game.
Rangers Preview – Will Rangers respond to going five points behind and put some pressure on Celtic ahead of the weekend games?
Steven Gerrard will be pleased with how his team have responded since losing in the League Cup final to rivals Celtic. The performance was good in that game but it was another high=pressure game where Rangers failed to win. They have progressed in Europe since then, though, and were comfortable 2-0 winners away to Motherwell last weekend. Celtic have since went five points clear having played in midweek putting pressure on the Ibrox club on Friday to get the win and keep on the tails of the leaders. With the Glasgow derby to come at Celtic Park in just over a week we’re entering a really crucial part of the season. Anything less than maximum points would hand the advantage to the champions going into that match.
Rangers are going to have to get the win in Edinburgh without their top scorer Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian striker was sent off after scoring his side’s second against Motherwell which will mean a return to the starting line-up for Jermaine Defoe. Defoe notched a hat-trick when these sides met in August but Morelos has been in incredible form of late and contributes so much to Rangers. If they can get the win without him it would be a big statement.
Key-Facts – Hibernian vs Rangers
- Hibs have won three of their six games under Jack Ross but are coming off the back if a 2-0 defeat away to Celtic last weekend
- Rangers have a game in hand over leaders Celtic but now find themselves five points behind with three games left in 2019
- It was a resounding victory for Rangers the last time these sides met with a Jermaine Defoe hat-trick helping the Ibrox club to a 6-1 win
Hibernian vs Rangers Betting Advice
December was always going to be a big month in terms of the title race and it’s been Celtic who have taken the upper hand so far. Rangers just need to keep pace ahead of the winter break and will have a game in hand to play in January. To do that, three points are a must here. For the hosts they will be looking to continue their improvement and a result against Rangers would do wonders for confidence. They were pretty toothless against Celtic last week but being at home should see a better performance.
Seven of Hibs’ nine games at Easter Road have had at least three goals in them. No team has scored more goals on the road than Rangers (21) so this game looks set to be entertaining. Games involving both teams average well over three goals making over 2.5 goals a standout bet.
