Match overview: Ibrox showdown with league implications
Rangers return to Ibrox on Monday night, 15 December 2025, with the stadium ready for another high-stakes Premiership fixture against Hibernian. This clash, staged under referee Don Robertson, arrives with Rangers occupying fourth in the table and Hibernian breathing down their necks in fifth — a classic Old Firm-adjacent duel for momentum as the season heads toward a busy winter schedule. Rangers come off a narrow Europa League defeat to Ferencvárosi on 11 December, a result that left James Tavernier as the standout performer in a tough night away from home. Hibernian, conversely, arrive after a convincing 3-0 domestic victory over Falkirk where Kieron Bowie starred.
Form, recent meetings and the narrative
On paper, Rangers hold the edge. Their domestic record shows only a single loss across 15 league matches and a busy sequence of results that includes wins, draws and a couple of setbacks — a profile of a side that rarely collapses at home. Hibernian’s season has been uneven; their recent results swing between strong performances and frustrating defeats, giving them five wins, one draw and four losses in their last ten. The most recent league meeting earlier this season saw Rangers leave Easter Road with a 1-0 victory, and that narrow outcome underlines how tight these contests can be.
Key stats and what they mean
Numbers tell an intriguing story. Rangers average more attacks (104.8) and create more dangerous chances (56.6) than Hibernian (83.13 attacks, 46.94 dangerous attacks), and Ibrox has been a relatively secure venue with five clean sheets recorded by Rangers this campaign. Hibernian, meanwhile, have a higher over 2.5 rate (62.5%) across their fixtures, indicating they are capable of contributing to a higher-scoring affair. Both teams show decent shots-on-target totals across the season, so chances should be there — but Rangers’ defensive consistency and home comfort tilt the balance.
What the bookmakers think
Bookmakers make Rangers favourites at around 1.87 for the win, with the draw priced near 3.60 and an away victory trading around 4.00. Those lines suggest the market respects Rangers’ home form but also acknowledges Hibernian’s ability to cause trouble and score goals.
Prediction and betting tip
Expect a competitive game where Rangers press to control territory and Hibernian look to hit on transitions. Given Rangers’ stronger attack volume at home, their recent head-to-head success and a market that prices them as favourites, the most prudent call for this fixture lies with the 1X2 market. Backing Rangers to win offers value without straying into risky alternate markets; there’s upside in a confident home side looking to steady the season after European disappointment.
Betting suggestion: Rangers to win (1) in the 1X2 market — stake sensibly and consider game flow before increasing exposure. For readers curious about timing and choosing goal lines, see The right time to place bets on goal markets, and for broader wagering strategy, review How and when to hedge in sports betting.
