Hibernian FC, the “Hibs,” and Rangers FC, the “Gers,” are two of Scotland’s most historic and passionate football clubs. Their rivalry, steeped in tradition and local pride, is one of the fiercest in Scottish football.
Beyond the passionate atmosphere, the statistics behind their encounters offer a deeper understanding of this enduring clash. This article delves into the key stats surrounding Hibernian vs Rangers, exploring historical trends, recent form, and what these numbers reveal about the future of this captivating rivalry.
Head-to-Head Record: A Rangers Dominance
A clear historical advantage lies with Rangers when looking at the overall head-to-head record:
Matches Played: Over 370 competitive matches have been played between Hibernian and Rangers across various competitions.
Rangers Wins: Statistics show that Rangers hold a significant lead in terms of victories, with a win rate exceeding 60% in most competitions.
Hibernian Wins: Despite the dominance, Hibernian has secured notable victories throughout history, with a win rate hovering around 20%.
Draws: Draws account for the remaining percentage of matches, with a slight historical advantage for Rangers.
These stats paint a picture of Rangers’ historical control, but they don’t capture the full story.
Recent Form: A Shift in the Balance?
While Rangers hold the historical upper hand, recent seasons suggest a shift in the balance:
Hibernian’s resurgence: Under managers like Jack Ross and Shaun Maloney, Hibernian has shown signs of improvement, challenging Rangers more consistently.
Inconsistency from Rangers: Rangers haven’t always replicated their historical dominance in recent years, dropping points against Hibernian on multiple occasions.
Close Encounters: Many recent meetings have been close affairs, decided by a single goal or ending in draws, highlighting Hibernian’s growing competitiveness.
Recent statistics suggest a period of transition, with Hibernian potentially closing the gap on Rangers.
Beyond Wins and Losses: Unveiling Other Stats
Head-to-head records only tell part of the story. Here are some additional statistics that paint a more nuanced picture:
Goals Scored: Rangers typically outscore Hibernian in their encounters, reflecting their attacking prowess.
Clean Sheets: Rangers tend to keep more clean sheets, showcasing their defensive solidity
against Hibernian.
Disciplinary Records: Both teams see their fair share of yellow cards in these high-pressure matches, with occasional red cards adding to the drama.
Home Advantage: Both teams enjoy a slight advantage when playing at home, with passionate fans creating an intimidating atmosphere.
These stats reveal the attacking intent, defensive battles, and competitive nature that characterize these encounters.
Looking Ahead: Stats and the Future of the Rivalry
Statistical analysis offers valuable insights into the future of the Hibernian vs Rangers rivalry:
Sustainability of Hibernian’s Challenge: Can Hibernian maintain their recent form and consistently challenge Rangers?
Rangers’ Response: How will Rangers respond to Hibernian’s growing threat? Will they regain their historical dominance?
Impact of Managerial Changes: The appointment of new managers for either team could significantly impact tactics and outcomes.
The Rise of Other Challengers: Celtic’s dominance also plays a role. Will Hibernian and Rangers push Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title?
Stats can’t predict the future, but they provide a valuable springboard for discussion.
FAQs
Who holds the upper hand in the head-to-head record?
Rangers boast a significant historical advantage. Across various competitions, statistics show:
Matches Played: Over 370 competitive matches have been played between the two teams.
Rangers Victories: Rangers hold a win rate exceeding 60% in most competitions.
Hibernian Wins: Despite the dominance, Hibernian has secured notable victories, with a win rate hovering around 20%.
Do recent stats suggest a change in the balance of power?
Recent seasons hint at a shift:
Hibernian’s Resurgence: Under managers like Jack Ross and Shaun Maloney, Hibernian has shown signs of improvement, challenging Rangers more consistently.
Rangers’ Inconsistencies: Rangers haven’t always replicated their historical dominance, dropping points against Hibernian on multiple occasions.
Close Encounters: Many recent meetings have been tight affairs, decided by a single goal or ending in draws, highlighting Hibernian’s growing competitiveness.
What stats go beyond wins and losses?
Head-to-head records only tell part of the story. Here are some additional revealing stats:
Goals Scored: Rangers typically outscore Hibernian, reflecting their attacking prowess.
Clean Sheets: Rangers tend to keep more clean sheets, showcasing their defensive solidity.
Disciplinary Records: Both teams see their fair share of yellow cards in high-pressure matches, with occasional red cards adding to the drama.
Home Advantage: Both teams enjoy a slight advantage when playing at home, with passionate fans creating an intimidating atmosphere.
What do the stats tell us about the style of play?
These stats reveal attacking intent, defensive battles, and competitive nature:
High Scoring Encounters: The average goals scored per game is often higher than the league average, suggesting a focus on attacking football.
Defensive Battles: Clean sheet statistics highlight the importance of defensive solidity in these high-stakes matches.
Disciplinary Intensity: The high number of yellow cards reflects the competitive nature and physicality of these encounters.
How reliable are stats in predicting future results?
Stats offer valuable insights, but they can’t predict the future. Factors like:
Managerial Changes: The appointment of new managers for either team could significantly impact tactics and outcomes.
Player Form: The form of key players on both sides can drastically affect the outcome of any given match.
Unforeseen Events: Injuries, red cards, and individual brilliance can all influence the final result.
What are some interesting historical stats in this rivalry?
Delving into history can reveal interesting facts:
Biggest Wins: Both teams have recorded significant victories. Research the biggest wins for both Hibernian and Rangers in this rivalry.
Longest Winning Streaks: How many consecutive wins has each team achieved against the other in the past?
Most Goals Scored by a Single Player: Who are the top scorers in this historical rivalry?
Where can I find the latest stats on Hibernian vs Rangers?
Several resources offer up-to-date statistics:
Official Club Websites: Both Hibernian and Rangers have dedicated statistics sections on their websites, offering detailed data on past encounters.
Football Data Websites: Websites like Transfermarkt, SofaScore, and WhoScored provide comprehensive statistics and analysis on head-to-head matchups.
Sports News Websites: Major sports news websites often feature articles analyzing statistics before and after these high-profile encounters.
Is this rivalry solely about stats, or is there more to it?
The rivalry goes beyond stats. It’s fueled by:
Local Pride: Both teams represent different parts of Edinburgh, creating a natural rivalry for local bragging rights.
Historical Context: The rich histories of both clubs add another layer to the rivalry, with passionate fan bases carrying on traditions for generations.
Fan Culture: The passionate support from both sets of fans creates a unique and electric atmosphere during these derby matches.
The rivalry between Hibernian and Rangers transcends mere statistics. It’s a battle for local bragging rights, fueled by passionate fan bases and a rich historical context.
While Rangers hold the historical advantage, recent stats suggest a more balanced rivalry on the horizon. The future of this captivating clash hinges on several factors, making it a rivalry worth following for any football enthusiast.
Whether statistics continue to reflect a shift in the balance or Rangers reassert their dominance, one thing is certain: the encounters between Hibernian and Rangers will continue to be fiercely contested, passionate affairs, adding another chapter to this enduring Scottish football rivalry.
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