Hearts v Rangers Betting Preview – Scottish Premiership April 19

Gers should brush aside injury-hit Jam Tarts

Rangers’ season is pretty much over so you could excuse Steven Gerrard for starting his plans for next season early. One for his targets in the summer is allegedly John Souttar so it will be interesting to see if the Hearts centre-back is out to impress as the Scottish Cup finalists entertain the side second in the table at Tynecastle.

Hearts Form and Team News

Hearts are hoping to make a signing of their own in the close season but Steven Naismith is still undecided over whether to make his move back to Scotland a permanent one. A coaching offer alongside playing duties could sweeten the deal but the Scottish international is currently sidelined with a knee injury and in a race against time for the Scottish Cup Final in five weeks’ time. Youngsters Aidan Keena and Callumn Morrison won’t play again this season and Demetri Mitchell and Ben Garuccio will both miss out against Rangers as Craig Levein tries to keep his side fresh ahead with Hampden on the horizon. Midfielder Peter Haring is also struggling. The Jam Tarts have lost three of their last four in the league so are hardly in the best of form.

Rangers Form and Team News

As well as Souttar, Rangers are also hinting that they may make a summer move for Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis. The midfielder has been on loan at Ibrox and deemed to surplus to requirements at Southampton. It looks like Mexican striker Eduardo Herrera will be leaving, however. The Ger’s only defeat since January came in last month’s fiery Old Firm derby and they have won both matches since by the same 3-0 scoreline. Scott Arfield has scored four goals in those games and veteran Jermaine Defoe has also stepped up to the plate in the absence of the suspended Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian has a further two-match ban to serve and Ryan Kent is also suspended for the trip to Hearts but the Glasgow side have a bigger squad than their opponents and more players with the ability to find the net.

Hearts v Rangers Head-to-Heads

Rangers have won seven of their last eight matches against Hearts in all competitions, scoring at least twice on each occasion, and drew the other. Hearts have only managed two goals in their three previous encounters this season and conceded eight.

Hearts v Rangers

Hearts 9/2, Draw 3/1, Rangers 7/10 (Odds correct at 10.30am April 19)

Hearts v Rangers Predictions

This looks a banker away win at 7/10 with Betvictor. Neither side will be at full strength but Rangers still have some decent firepower and a win could cement second spot with several matches still to play if results elsewhere go their way. The visitors to win by two goals in the Winning Margins market is a general 7/2 and they are 19/10 to Win To Nil with Betvictor.