Rangers showdown vs Hearts could be decided within first 15 minutes, according to the data
Rangers face Hearts on Monday at Tynecastle in what is the biggest clash of the campaign to date for both sides.
With the Scottish Premiership title on the line, nothing but a win will do for the Gers.
However, optimism is perhaps at a low after the recent 3-2 defeat to Motherwell at Ibrox last weekend.
Yet this is perhaps misplaced, with Rangers possessing an excellent chance to take home three points as long as they target Hearts’ weaknesses.
One potential opening is Hearts’ weak starts to games this season, which could prove to be crucial to a Rangers victory on Monday.
Hearts are at their worst in opening 15 minutes this season
According to Soccerstats on 1 May, Hearts have struggled in the opening 15 minutes so far this season.
To date, they have managed just four goals, while conceding five times, with the opening exchanges being the only time period they have let in more goals than they have scored in the Scottish Premiership.
| Team | Goals scored in the first 15 minutes | Goals conceded in the first 15 minutes |
| Rangers | 4 | 5 |
| Hearts | 10 | 3 |
In comparison, Rangers are particularly menacing in this period, netting 10 times, while only conceding three.
Therefore, if Rohl can exploit this, he could give the visitors an important advantage and severely damage the atmosphere at Tynecastle.
As a result, the match could be effectively over in the first 15 minutes as long as Rohl plays his cards right.
Can Rangers afford to miss out on Champions League finish?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that qualification for Champions League football at Rangers would result in an overhaul of the playing squad this summer.
Despite the potential to win the league title in the closing matches, it has been clear all season that the quality of the squad has dipped.
In most other seasons, the title would be out of sight, with Celtic also having a horrendous year.
Therefore, an overhaul is needed, but, as it stands, Rangers are set to qualify for the Europa League, as long as Celtic win the Scottish Cup.
As a result, the Gers must ensure they finish at least second so they have a chance to rebuild their squad completely and up to standard.
If not, they may have missed out on their best opportunity to become the dominant team in Scotland once more.