JG: Typical Alfredo Morelos. He can't bully Andrew Considine so tries to dive and cheat for a penalty. So much for Steven Gerrard sorting his discipline.

The Dons lead the Scottish Cup quarter-final, courtesy of Sam Cosgrove's penalty.

Image source, SNS

Gary Mackay-Steven's day is over. The winger fails to recover from the injury sustained following Connor Goldson's tackle for the Aberdeen penalty.

Mackay-Steven is replaced by Niall McGinn - you can't take your eyes off this one.

Alfredo Morelos, who came close to equalising for Rangers moments ago, is booked for simulation by Kevin Clancy after tumbling in the box under the close attentions of Andrew Considine.

Image source, SNS

Former Rangers midfielder Neil McCann: "I felt the pass was a little bit short, but if Goldson just stays on his feet he clears it, but he goes to ground. It's an absolutely penalty."

Image source, SNS

Rangers, stung by falling behind, try to restore parity immediately but Alfredo Morelos sees his drive brilliantly saved by Joe Lewis.

The hosts have the chance to take an early lead as Connor Goldson is penalised for a sliding challenge on Gary Mackay-Steven.

Dominic Ball clears the danger as Ryan Kent is about to put on the after-burners on the left flank. Neither side has fashioned a chance as yet.

The welcome sunshine does offer some problems... the respective coaching staffs are shielding their eyes from the rays and it's difficult for those reporting to see exactly what's happening.

Alfredo Morelos and Scott McKenna were described as "box office" by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard. The Colombian striker is penalised for a foul on the Dons defender in the opening exchanges.

We're off and running! Hang onto your hats...

BBC Scotland's Tyrone Smith at Pittodrie: "‘The sun is splitting the sky, and dare I say it, it is quite warm in Aberdeen today .... a great day for football."

Scorchio!published at 13:27

13:27

Aberdeen v Rangers (13:30)

Here come the teams, trotting out into the March sunshine. A day for donning the Roy Orbison shades, if you have a pair.

Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie is yet to announce his intentions for next season. The 27-year-old midfielder has been at Pittodrie since the summer of 2015 and will be a huge miss if he moves on under freedom of contract.

Image source, SNS

A little over 10 minutes until the first of Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-finals gets under way at a sun-kissed Pittodrie.

Remember, stay with us for Dundee United v Inverness CT after this one. The tie at Tannadice will also be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland (15:30 kick-off).

Image source, BBC Sport

A touch of the Reservoir Dogs about the match officials at Pittodrie...

Referee Kevin Clancy (left) will be assisted by Alan Muir, Douglas Ross and Graeme Stewart today.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manage Derek McInnes: "It's important for us to concentrate on the cup tie. Whether we go into this game in great form, or struggling at home, as we have done of late - it's not been an issue.

"The evidence is there that we haven't been as free-flowing, we've conceded too many goals at home; our general performance hasn't been at the level we expect.

Image source, PA

"But that's for another day - this is a cup tie, a quarter-final against Rangers. The game itself will lend itself to an atmosphere and our fans will be charged and ready to get behind the team."

Gail Sangster: Listening to the discussion about the atmosphere in football grounds. Recently been to ice hockey - fabulous family atmosphere, no segregation of fans and alcohol sold, yet no issues. Something has to change in football to make it safer and enjoyable for families.