Hearts vs Rangers Prediction: Barron bet has value in table-top Tynecastle tussle

Hearts have the chance to make a massive statement in the Scottish Premiership title race on Sunday when the league leaders host third-placed Rangers at Tynecastle (13:30 GMT, live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event).

Derek McInnes’ side beat Celtic a fortnight ago to make it three wins from three against the Old Firm this term and they hold a six-point lead at the top. My Hearts vs Rangers predictions follow with full team news and Betfred’s match odds.

Hearts vs Rangers Odds

The Jambos are backed to take the three points, with 11/10 available about a home win. Rangers are 12/5 to reduce the gap from the leaders to six points, while the draw is quoted at the same price.

You can get 4/6 for Both Teams to Score at an implied probability of 60%, while it’s 11/10 if you think one or both will draw a blank.

Today's Football Fixtures

Double Chance & BTTS: Hearts or Draw & Yes @ 6/5

For all that Rangers have been tough to beat on opposition territory, Hearts are the hottest team in Scotland at this moment and this should be a belting contest.

Rangers are top of the form table since Rohl arrived in Glasgow two months ago, but Hearts have recovered from a slight dip to beat Celtic and Falkirk. That has built up a gap at the top once more.

I’ve liked the look of the Bears under Rohl. They don’t play sparkling football, but the German is finding ways to pick up results. Yet their diminished resources and need for significant January reinforcements underline the fact this isn’t a vintage Gers outfit.

And at Tynecastle they face a Hearts side who have scored 34 goals with a swashbuckling approach. Both teams have conceded 13 already, and there should be goals in it.

But I just can’t see Hearts losing, so the double chance combined with the BTTS bet at 6/5, and an implied 45.5% probability, looks good to me.

Football Odds

Connor Barron to Receive a Card @ 23/10

If this game is played at a ferocious pace, as expected, then the midfield battle could be crucial.

With the crowd’s back up and the home team roared on, it will be imperative that Rangers do everything they can to stem the flow when they’re not on top.

To that end, it will be key for their starting midfielders – likely Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande and Raskin – to stick their foot in.

And of those, Barron is the one to really break things up. Stick in the value of the 23/10 odds, and this is as punter-friendly as you can get in a match like this.

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