Hibernian Vs Rangers

As the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season draws to a close, all eyes turn to Easter Road Stadium, where Hibernian and Rangers are set to face off in what promises to be a compelling final-day encounter. Though the match may lack high-stakes drama in terms of league positioning—with both teams already assured of their final standings—it remains a significant fixture for pride, momentum, and potential milestones. Hibernian, having secured third place, will be eager to cap off a remarkable resurgence under David Gray with a strong performance, while Rangers, locked into second, aim to conclude a turbulent campaign on a positive note under interim manager Barry Ferguson.

For Hibernian, this season marks a triumphant return to European football after a three-year absence, a feat that seemed improbable given their disastrous start to the campaign. The Edinburgh-based club, which earned promotion back to the Premiership in 2016-17 after a Championship-winning season, has frequently been in the mix for continental qualification but had repeatedly fallen short in recent years. This time, however, they have defied expectations, clinching a Europa League spot with a third-place finish—four points clear of Aberdeen and a distant but respectable 17 points behind Rangers.

The turnaround orchestrated by David Gray has been nothing short of extraordinary. At the halfway point of the season, Hibs found themselves languishing at the bottom of the table, having managed just two wins, six draws, and eight defeats by matchday 16. A particularly demoralizing 3-0 loss to Celtic appeared to signal further struggles, but Gray’s tactical adjustments and motivational leadership sparked an astonishing 17-game unbeaten run. This surge not only lifted them from the relegation zone but propelled them into the top three before the league split. While their form post-split has been more modest—one win, one draw, and two defeats—it was enough to maintain their position ahead of Aberdeen, securing European football and re-establishing Hibs as a force in Scottish football.

Now, as they prepare to host Rangers, Hibernian will be determined to finish the season with a statement victory. A win would not only provide a satisfying conclusion to their campaign but also mark back-to-back victories over the Glasgow giants—a feat they haven’t achieved since a three-game winning streak between 2016 and 2017. Given the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs in recent months, Hibs will fancy their chances, especially with the home crowd behind them.

For Rangers, however, this season has been one of frustration and unfulfilled expectations. Despite finishing second, their campaign has been marred by inconsistency, managerial upheaval, and an inability to mount a serious title challenge against their arch-rivals, Celtic. Under Philippe Clement, the Gers got off to their worst league start in nine years, winning just five of their opening 12 matches—a run that left them playing catch-up in the title race from the outset. Though there were brief signs of recovery, their form remained erratic, culminating in a shock 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish FA Cup, a result that proved the final straw for Clement’s tenure.

In his place, club legend Barry Ferguson was handed the reins on an interim basis, tasked with steadying the ship and restoring some pride to a disillusioned fanbase. Ferguson, a former Rangers captain who made over 400 appearances for the club, was seen as a unifying figure capable of reconnecting the team with its supporters. His tenure, however, has been a mixed bag. After a promising start—four wins in his first six matches—Rangers then endured a six-game winless streak, further highlighting the squad’s struggles for consistency.

Yet, there have been glimpses of progress. Rangers’ most recent outing, a 3-1 victory at Ibrox, provided Ferguson with a memorable send-off in what could be his final home game in charge. The result extended their recent home form to seven points from the last three matches—a notable improvement after failing to win any of Ferguson’s first four fixtures at Ibrox. Now, as they head to Easter Road, Ferguson will be eager to end his interim spell on a high, potentially strengthening his case for the permanent managerial role while also delivering a morale-boosting win ahead of next season.

Beyond the immediate implications for both teams, this match also carries symbolic weight. For Hibernian, it represents the culmination of a season defined by resilience and resurgence—a testament to the club’s ability to overcome adversity and reclaim their place among Scotland’s elite. For Rangers, it is an opportunity to salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign and lay down a marker for the future, particularly if Ferguson remains at the helm.

Tactically, the game could prove intriguing. Hibernian, buoyed by their strong second-half surge, will likely look to impose their attacking style, with key players such as Elie Youan—who has been instrumental in their revival—posing a constant threat. Rangers, meanwhile, will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities while capitalizing on their own attacking talent to exploit any gaps in the Hibs backline.

In many ways, this fixture encapsulates the broader narratives of both clubs’ seasons. Hibernian’s journey from relegation candidates to European qualifiers is a story of perseverance and tactical ingenuity, while Rangers’ struggles reflect a club still searching for stability and identity after a period of transition.

As the final whistle blows on Saturday afternoon, one thing is certain: while the league positions may already be decided, the passion, pride, and determination on display will ensure this is anything but a meaningless end-of-season affair. For the players, managers, and fans alike, this match represents a chance to end the campaign on a high—and, in doing so, set the tone for what lies ahead.