Hearts vs Rangers Prediction & Betting Tips (21 December)

The upcoming clash between Hearts and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership is shaping up to be one of the most compelling fixtures of December. Hearts have been in excellent form, sitting at the top of the table after a string of strong performances. In recent weeks, Derek McInnes’ side secured a 2-0 win away at Falkirk, with Claudio Braga and Stephen Kingsley finding the net, and before that they stunned Celtic with a 2-1 victory at Parkhead. These results have reinforced their credentials as genuine title contenders, with the squad showing resilience and attacking flair. Off the pitch, Hearts have also been active in the transfer market, reportedly securing a pre-contract agreement with St Johnstone winger Josh McPake, a move that could further bolster their attacking options for the future. The momentum is clearly with the Jambos, and their supporters will expect another strong showing against Rangers.

Rangers, meanwhile, have been steadily rebuilding under Danny Röhl, who has guided them through an unbeaten run in the Premiership since his appointment. Their most recent league outing was a narrow but crucial 1-0 win over Hibernian at Ibrox, with Emmanuel Fernandez scoring the decisive goal. Earlier in December, they convincingly beat Kilmarnock 3-0 away, though they did suffer a setback in Europe with a 2-1 loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League. Despite that continental disappointment, their domestic form has been encouraging, with six wins and two draws under Röhl’s leadership. The Gers are climbing the table and now sit within striking distance of Hearts, making this fixture at Tynecastle a pivotal moment in their season. The narrative of revival and redemption is strong, and Rangers will be eager to prove they can challenge the league leaders head-on.

The head-to-head record between these two sides this season adds further intrigue. Hearts claimed a 2-0 victory over Rangers back in September, a result that highlighted their defensive solidity and clinical finishing. However, Rangers have shown improvement since then, tightening up at the back and rediscovering their attacking rhythm. Key players such as James Tavernier, who continues to contribute both goals and assists, and Bojan Miovski, who has chipped in with important strikes, will be central to their hopes. Hearts, on the other hand, rely heavily on the firepower of Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga, both of whom have been consistent in front of goal. With both teams boasting strong attacking options and solid defensive records, the stage is set for a balanced yet fiercely contested encounter. The atmosphere at Tynecastle is expected to be electric, with fans fully aware of the stakes involved.

Given the form of both sides and the recent results, this match promises drama and intensity. Hearts have shown they can topple giants, as evidenced by their win over Celtic, while Rangers have demonstrated resilience and a growing confidence under Röhl. The tactical battle between McInnes and Röhl will be fascinating, with Hearts likely to press aggressively and Rangers aiming to exploit spaces on the counter. Ultimately, while both teams have the quality to secure victory, the balance of momentum slightly favors Hearts. The prediction for this clash is a narrow but decisive 2-1 win for Hearts, a scoreline that reflects their current edge in form while acknowledging Rangers’ ability to make it a close contest.