*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Safe bet: Over 2.5 goals
Rangers have been remarkably consistent going forward in the league this season, failing to score just once (in an early season draw at Livingston). They have been ruthless ever since, scoring 61 goals in the following 22 league games at a rate of almost three goals a game.
They average more than two goals per game in their 13 away games and there is every chance that they will score at least twice at Easter Road on Wednesday night. They have been virtually impregnable at the other end but have conceded four goals in their last nine games – more than they conceded in their first 16 games of the season.
They also conceded three goals at Ross County in a League Cup tie in the middle of that nine-game run. They conceded twice at Easter Road earlier in the season and could do so again on Wednesday making Over 2.5 Goals the safest bet.
READ MORE: Paddy trader offers his best bets for Wednesday’s EPL games
Value Bet: Hibs (+1)
Rangers have essentially sewn up the Scottish title thanks to a virtually flawless season so far, but they have shown some signs of stuttering in recent weeks on the road. Steven Gerrard’s side have been faultless at home, winning every game they’ve played at Ibrox for the loss of just one goal, but they have been slightly more fallible on their travels.
All three of Rangers’ draws in the league this season have come away from home, while they have conceded once in each of their last two away games – 28% of the goals they have conceded this season. While Rangers’ away record is certainly nothing to sneer at – they have won 10 out of 13 league games on their travels – they are certainly more vulnerable away from Ibrox.
Wednesday 7.45pm: Hibs v Rangers
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Gerrard’s side have conceded six of their seven league goals on their travels and draw with Wednesday night’s opponents in their previous meeting at Easter Road. Hibs have not been in terrific form themselves and went on a four-game winless run over the Christmas period, picking up just one point against a massively depleted Celtic side.
However, they seem to have turned the corner following a comfortable 2-0 win over Kilmarnock, despite losing their League Cup semi-final against St. Johnstone last Saturday. They may just take points off Gerrard’s champions-elect again on Wednesday and Hibs (+1) on the handicap is the value.
Long shot: Hibs half time/draw full time
Rangers are yet to taste defeat in the Scottish Premiership this season and they have rarely even experienced going behind, but some chinks have started to appear in their very sturdy armour in recent weeks. Gerrard’s side have gone in behind at half time in two of their last eight league games – both against Motherwell – only to rally in the second half and come away with a win and a draw from the two games.
Rangers were extremely fortunate not to go in behind against Celtic at the beginning of January having been totally outplayed by their bitter rivals for the majority of that game at Ibrox, while they also conceded against 10-man Aberdeen at Pittodrie earlier this month. They may have to use their newfound powers of recovery to get anything out of Wednesday’s clash with Hibs and Hibs half time/ Draw full time is the big-price play.
Tips for Hibs v Rangers
Safe Bet: Over 2.5 Goals
Value Play: Hibs (+1)
Long Shot: Hibs half time/draw full time
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
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