John Hartson predicts scoreline of Rangers showdown v Hearts in Tynecastle clash
John Hartson has predicted that Philippe Clement’s unbeaten start in Scotland will continue at Tynecastle as Rangers take on Hearts.
The Light Blues face Steven Naismith’s side on Wednesday 6 December looking to build on their 2-0 win over St Mirren last time out and Hartson believes that Clement’s team will make it back-to-back wins, predicting the Gers will win 2-1.
Hearts themselves head into Wednesday’s clash full of confidence having won all three of their last three matches and nearly upset Rangers earlier this season at Ibrox, but the Welshman believes the Gers will end their winning run.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (5 December, 1:19:00) he said: “Hearts have won four of their last five games and the one game they lost they were 1-0 up with about five or six minutes to go at Ibrox, but Rangers did very well and got back in the game.
“So Hearts at home, it’s a tough one, but I still think Rangers on the form that they’re in. But going to Hearts midweek, it can be hostile, unless you go one or two goals up and it just takes the sting out of the crowd. If Hearts go in front, that place will be rocking and you can give yourself a really difficult night.”
“Obviously, I think the way to go about it try and get an early lead to quieten the crowd up there. I’m going to go Rangers, 2-1 Rangers.”
Tough test
When Rangers faced Hearts earlier this season, they were reliant on a late penalty from James Tavernier and an even later strike from Danilo to secure all three points so they’ll know just how tough a test Wednesday night’s clash will be.
Rangers need to keep winning in the Scottish Premiership, no matter their opponent if they have genuine ambitions of beating Celtic in this year’s title race. Brendan Rodgers’ side easily beat Hearts 4-1 this season and the Light Blues have to do the same.
The win over St Mirren last time out was by no means the perfect performance, but Clement’s side got the win and ultimately that’s all that really matters. Anything other than the same result on Wednesday night will be viewed as a failure.
Hopefully, the Gers can get that all-important early goal to silence the Tynecastle crowd as Hartson suggested and then see out the clash to get all three points. Rangers have the quality to win this match, they just need to show it.
In other Rangers news, Clement has promised supporters that the injury situation at Ibrox will improve sooner rather than later