Prediction: Hearts vs Rangers

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With the 2024/25 Premiership campaign getting underway on Saturday lunchtime, Rangers will travel to Tynecastle when they meet Hearts.

Hearts

Starting with the hosts, while Hearts might have secured a bronze medal finish among Scotland’s elite last season, Steven Naismith’s men limped their way over the finishing line. Failing to win any of their final six appearances against top-flight opposition, the Jambos will be hoping to make an early statement of intent here. However, signing off their pre-season preparations with a nightmare performance as they slumped to a 3-0 drumming at the hands of League One outfit Fleetwood, the one-time Everton midfielder saw his squad lose all of their three friendly showdowns by an aggregate score of 10-2. With their summer struggles underlined by a 5-1 defeat against Premier League giants Tottenham on July 17th, Hearts have also continued to show some extended defensive issues. In fact, continuing on from last season, Saturday’s hosts have shipped 15 goals in just their previous five outings.

Team News

Arriving from Ross County on a free transfer this summer, former Liverpool youngster Yan Dhanda will make his full Hearts debut on Saturday lunchtime. Likewise, arriving from Premier League outfit Brentford, 21-year-old Daniel Oyegoke will feature here.

Enjoying what was a sensational domestic romp last season and notching 24 Premiership strikes, Scotland international Lawrence Shankland will play a leading role in the final third. Ex-Everton starlet Beni Baningime will start in the middle of the park.

Rangers

As for the visitors, eventually finishing eight points adrift of their Old Firm rivals last season, Rangers have certainly come under increasing scrutiny over the past few months. Suffering Scottish Cup heartbreak against Celtic on May 25th as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Hampden, Philippe Clement’s men have plenty of pressure on their shoulders this time around. Reportedly dealing with some mounting issues behind the scenes in Glasgow, the former Monaco boss also saw his side embark on a real summer struggle. Signing off their pre-season preparations with a remarkable 4-4 stalemate against Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin, Rangers failed to muster a single victory from any of their four summer showdowns. However, it should be highlighted, the Blues are unbeaten in all of their previous 15 consecutive matchups against Hearts – a run that stems all the way back to February 2020.

Team News

Arriving from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland this summer for a reported fee of €5million, Mohamed Diomande will make his competitive Hearts debut on Saturday lunchtime. Likewise, completing a move from Brazilian giants Fluminense last month, 20-year-old Jefte could feature this weekend.

However, with Clement publicly stating last week that Todd Cantwell has handed in a transfer request, the former Norwich playmaker will not feature at Tynecastle. Registering 20 Premiership goal contributions last season, Cyriel Dessers will lead Rangers’ charge in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Hearts and Rangers last met back on May 18th, Saturday’s opponents played out a thrilling 3-3 stalemate at Tynecastle.
• The Blues are unbeaten in all of their previous 15 consecutive showdowns against Hearts – a run that stems all the way back to February 2020.
• The Jambos lost all of their three friendly appearances this summer by an aggregate score of 10-2.
• Continuing on from their summer preparations, Rangers have recorded just a single victory from any of their eight matchups across all competitions.
• Rangers failed to muster a single clean sheet from any of their final six meetings against Premiership opposition last season.

Conclusion

With Hearts and Rangers playing out a thrilling 3-3 stalemate when they signed off the 2023/24 campaign back on May 18th, neutrals will be hoping for another frantic affair here. With both of Saturday’s opponents drastically struggling to find any kind of stability during their pre-season preparations, we could be set for an enjoyable showdown this weekend. Two squads who are desperately seeking some much-needed defensive steel, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Dachbet