Hibernian v Rangers
Football: Scottish Premier League
Sunday 22nd August Kick Off 12.15pm

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HIBERNIAN

Hibs got off to a fine start last week with an excellent 3-1 win at Motherwell. After struggling in the first half, they came out in the second half and put in a much better performance with the likes of Liam Miller, Derek Riordan and Anthony Stokes causing huge problems for the Fir Park side. Last seasons top scorer Stokes got off the mark and his all round performance is sure to have Walter Smith and his Rangers side worried.

Hibs boss John Hughes will have been delighted with last weeks start but their Europa League campaign was cut short by NK Maribor. However their brief stint in the Europa league qualifiers may just do them good for the early weeks of the SPL as they may find themselves that bit sharper than some of the other sides.

Hibs had a fine season last term getting draws at Ibrox and a terrific 2-1 win at Celtic Park, they were well in with a surprise title challenge. However the second part of the season was disastrous and they eventually finished fourth and were knocked out of the cup by Ross County. They have not beaten Rangers in the last 2 seasons, which took in 8 games, but they did have a terrific record against them between 2005 and 2008, where they defeated Rangers 5 times.

RANGERS

Rangers started the defence of their SPL title with a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox last Saturday. They were well in control of the game until Killie got a second half penalty and were made work hard to hold onto their 3 points. Kenny Miller and Steven Naismith were the scorers and they will be two key players for the Ibrox side this season after the departure of their scoring sensation Kris Boyd. Boyd was SPL top scorer last season and Rangers most prolific striker of recent times.

The good news for Gers fans was the loan signing of Vladimir Weiss from Man City this week. Weiss is a very highly rated 20 year old Slovakian who is sure to make an impact in the SPL. The signing of James Beattie before the start of the season was also welcome news for a side who hadnt been able to buy a player for nearly two years. Rangers won the SPL title with a lot to spare last season but should find the battle with Celtic much closer this term and away trips like this to Hibernian will certainly be a tough test for them.

VERDICT

Its only the second game of the season and Rangers may not be at their best. Hibs may be that bit sharper with their Europa League games and take them +1 Handicap to get a result.

HIBS+1 (EVENS)

The Pick :

Hibernian 1-1 Rangers

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take HIBERNIAN +1 HANDICAP AT EVEN MONEY