A Hibs victory over Rangers 'makes it interesting' says Andy Walker

Andy Walker fully expects Rangers to win the title this season but believes a victory for Hibernian on Sunday would make for "an interesting few months" in the Scottish Championship.

Mark Warburton's side sit eight points clear at the top of the table, having taken maximum points from all 11 league matches, ahead of Sunday's Sky Live clash at Easter Road.

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That run includes a 1-0 victory over this weekend's opponents at Ibrox on August 23, but since that day Alan Stubbs' side are unbeaten in 11, including nine in the league.

Success for Hibs would draw Rangers back to within touching distance with the sides due to meet again twice before the end of the campaign.

While conceding Rangers are where they are on merit, Sky Sports' Scottish football expert Walker believes Hibernian are the only team capable of posing a serious threat to their title aspirations.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, he said: "I think it would be a tall order for Rangers to go unbeaten throughout the season, but if anyone can beat them, it will be Hibs.

"We covered this game earlier in the season when James Tavernier scored a wonderful free-kick. Rangers have got their act together and Mark Warburton has put together a side that plays a lot of good football.

"From having spoken to one or two of the players there, he takes a lot of time in speaking to them on an individual basis and I think with Davie Weir there, he is getting an understanding of the Scottish game.

"But I think Rangers need to be tested more regularly. More often than not they are up against part-time opponents and I think they realise on Sunday they are up against the only side who could possibly catch them in the league.

"Rangers won 1-0 at Ibrox at the start of the season but Hibs actually played really well that day, made a lot of opportunities, and I think it is important they show their supporters that the players have a sense of belief within themselves that they can compete against Rangers... it is their last chance."

Asked if the league is done and dusted should Rangers leave with all three points on Sunday, Walker, who spent a short period on loan at Easter Road in 1998, added: "I think Hibs must win this one.

"There has been very little evidence in recent years to suggest they can put together the type of consistent run that would allow them to overhaul Rangers.

"At Easter Road earlier this season, they started well but eventually lost 6-2. These are the type of results that Hibs have fallen down on in recent seasons, going to the likes of Raith Rovers and Dumbarton and dropping unneccessary points.

"I think if Hibs get all three points - and I think they are capable of it - then it will make for an interesting contest in the coming months. But over the piece, I think Rangers have the stronger squad, the better players, and I expect them to win the title."