Darren O’Dea spot on in ‘catastrophe’ prediction ahead of Rangers vs Hearts
Darren O’Dea believes that it’s do or die for Rangers next Monday against Hearts, and has warned Danny Rohl‘s side not to hold back.
The Bears will have to sit back and watch the rest of the Scottish Premiership games take place over the weekend before a season-defining trip to Tynecastle Park.
The loss to Motherwell has put a huge dampener on Gers’ season, and many have already started to rule them out of the race for the title.
However, a win over the Jambos would once again change people’s perspectives, especially with an Old Firm clash to follow right after.
Rangers’ biggest test comes against Hearts, and the truth is, anything but a win will prove that the Bears don’t deserve it.
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Darren O’Dea says Hearts can afford draw, Rangers cannot
Rangers could still win the league, though; anything but a win at Tynecastle would be seen as a loss, with the Bears now four points behind Hearts, who still lead the way at the top of the table.
It goes without saying that it is an important game, but the way that Rohl sets his team up could make or break the match.
| Game | Venue | Date | Kick-off |
| Hearts vs Rangers | Tynecastle Park | Monday, 4 May | 5.30 PM |
While speaking on Open Goal, former Celtic man O’Dea encouraged the Bears to go for the win with an attacking mindset, as three points puts them right back in it.
O’Dea said: “It will be interesting because if it’s a draw, it’s not a catastrophe for Hearts because they are still in it. I could see there being a winner, but Rangers have to go and win. They have just have to throw caution to the wind and just go for it.
While a draw wouldn’t be a catastrophe for Hearts, it certainly would be for Gers.
A draw is no good for Rangers, and the reason why is all down to Celtic’s chances of beating Hibernian at Easter Road this Sunday, though it will be a tough task.
Where do Rangers excel over Hearts?
There are a couple of areas where Rangers boast better stats than Hearts, which should give them confidence heading into the match.
The biggest surprise of the season has been Derek McInnes’ side, and how they are overperforming the likes of Celtic and Gers, despite having a lesser squad.
Something has just gone the way of the Jambos consistently, and Rangers should know that on the day, they are very capable of beating them.
As seen in the graphic above, there are many areas where the Bears outperform Hearts, particularly in attacking statistics.
The main edge Hearts have on the Bears is their defence, but that will be put to the test in this one.
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