Hearts vs Rangers Prediction: Back Dessers to get on the scoresheet

Scottish Premiership runners-up Rangers visit Tynecastle on Saturday afternoon, where they’ll play Hearts before bringing the curtain down on their Premiership campaign.

Betfred’s Frank Monkhouse makes the case for an entertaining game and offers his best bets for the 12:30 kick-off, with no live TV coverage. You can check out his Hearts vs Rangers predictions below...

Hearts aim to sign off on what has been an encouraging season for Steven Naismith’s men with a first win of the campaign over Rangers.

The locals cemented third place in the Premiership with time to spare and will improve in pre-season before returning to challenge next term. It’s exciting times for the locals, but they’ve won only one of their last four which suggests some of the squad already has their mind on the summer break.

It’s another silver medal for Rangers and fans are less than happy with the squad after seeing them throw away a lead in the Premiership.

Celtic clinched three-in-a-row at Rugby Park on Wednesday, leaving Gers supporters thinking what could’ve been if their side hadn’t choked from a winning position. Gers have won three of their last five but have a Scottish Cup final against Celtic next week and that will feature in Philippe Clement’s team selection.

Hearts vs Rangers Odds

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Despite finishing in the bronze medal position and proving themselves best of the rest behind the Old Firm, Hearts have struggled against Saturday’s opponents. They’ve failed to beat the Gers in five attempts this season, losing 3-1 at this venue in the League Cup and 2-0 at Hampden in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. The home win is 18/5 on the Betfred mobile app and website.

The mood in the away camp is low as Rangers stumble to the finish line following an emotionally draining season. The team from Ibrox fell behind early in the term, costing previous manager Michael Beale his job.

Clement replaced the Englishman and dragged the team back into contention. They won the League Cup by beating Aberdeen at the national stadium and passed Celtic in the league. But their time at the summit was short-lived. They began the season with defeat, will they finish with a win at 4/6? The draw is 16/5.

Over 2.5 goals @ 1/2

Our first pick in the game from Tynecastle is over 2.5 goals which is likely to appear in a share of weekend accumulators and football multiples. Backing over 2.5 goals would’ve landed you a profit in three of the five games involving these teams this season, including a 3-1 win for the Glaswegians here back in November.

With nothing to play for and Rangers having that crucial Scottish Cup final next weekend, we’re likely to see both managers rest some of their regular starters.

The game could be flat, given the time of year and circumstances, but there’s goals in both squads and we’d like to think they’d put on a show for those in attendance. Over 2.5 goals should give you something to cheer on Saturday afternoon.

Dessers to score @ 13/10

Looking for a bet at greater odds to help close the Premiership season in style? We back Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers to score in the game at odds of 13/10.

The attacker has blown hot and cold this season, netting 18 goals in his first season at the club, but missing many more great chances, including a few tap-ins. Will he get the chance to build on his start next season or will Dessers exit Ibrox in the summer? We must wait and see.

Looking at the stats, Dessers scored both goals in a 2-0 win for Rangers over Hearts at Hampden in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup last month. That brace took his tally against the Jambos to four goals in his last two games and we’re happy to stick with that form. Add Dessers to your multiples or back him as a super single.

Frank Monkhouse primarily covers Scottish Football for us here at Betfred Insights. You can check out all of his work along with that of the rest of our Football Betting Tips desk on our main Football page...