bringthemonjpn: The only thing that we can be certain about this quarter-final thriller is that it'll feature difficult calls for the ref, and tartan travel rugs required for the dugout teams.

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes speaking to BBC Sportsound: "I’ve got good options but I was keen to have Gary Mackay-Steven here playing today. He passed a fitness test yesterday, and I think his speed is important to us, especially at home.

“I thought in the second half, in particular, last time against Rangers here he carried the fight for us. He was inspirational on that far side."

Image source, SNS

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos looks nice and relaxed ahead of kick-off. Can he add to his tally of 28 goals for the season?

The Colombian has been sent off in three games against the Dons this season, although the first of those decisions was later rescinded.

Image source, SNS

Despite Aberdeen's poor display on Wednesday night, manager Derek McInnes makes just one change from the 2-0 home loss to Hamilton Accies.

Niall McGinn drops out, and Gary Mackay-Steven takes his place.

Steven Gerrard sticks with the same team that beat Dundee 4-0.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen: Lewis, Ball, Considine, McKenna, Lowe, Ferguson, Shinnie, Mackay-Steven, Stewart, McLennan, Cosgrove.

Substitutes: Wilson, Gleeson, McGinn, May, Devlin, Cerny, Campbell.

Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Worrall, Barisic, Jack, Candeias, Kamara, Arfield, Kent, Morelos. Substitutes: Defoe, Lafferty, Foderingham, Halliday, McCrorie, Katic, Coulibaly.

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Scotland's Tyrone Smith at Pittodrie: "Because of the intense rivalry, Aberdeen Rangers encounters are always pretty spicy.

"If you add in the fact that a Scottish Cup semi-final place is up for grabs this afternoon, then you would appear to have all the ingredients needed to serve up a very tasty game.

"With Celtic showing no sign of relinquishing their grip at the top of the Premiership, the cup would appear to represent the best chance of silverware for the Dons and Rangers – two sides who went in to the campaign looking to be among the honours.

Image source, SNS

"So when you factor all that in to the equation, the scene is set for a clash that definitely appears to fall in to the potentially – season defining category – as well as the blockbuster one.

"This is the fifth meeting of the sides this season, the previous four have been incident laden – two players, Scott McKenna and Alfredo Morelos were sent off in the last one – so are we in for a quiet Sunday afternoon in the Granite City? I don’t think so."

Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos has been in impressive form in front of goal for Rangers. The marksman has netted 28 goals but has been sent off in three games against the Dons this season.

How will he fare against defender Scott McKenna this afternoon?

Image source, PA

"I think they are both box office to watch for neutral people," Rangers manager Gerrard said.

"I'm sure it will be another physical battle between them and hopefully both players stay on the right side this time and we can see that box-office battle for 90 minutes, because I think it was a real shame both of them getting sent off last time. I was really enjoying it.

"Alfredo doesn't have to prove anything to anybody but himself, and that's just to go out and give us the best performance he has got."

Image source, SNS

Who do you fancy to progress from the ties at Pittodrie and Tannadice?

Tweet me @bbcthomasmcg using #bbcsportscot or visit our Facebook page.

Former Rangers winger Neil McCann tells BBC Scotland: "Steven Gerrard clearly has the upper hand by winning at Pittodrie in the last fixture. I put Rangers favourites, and heavy favourites, because of the nature they've been playing and the goals they've been smashing in."

Image source, SNS

BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller: "The pitch is looking quite good actually. It's a little bit windy outside and you hope that that doesn't spoil it. The atmosphere will be wonderful.

"We all know how important this game is and what it can throw up. You know it's going to be competitive..."

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard on Rangers TV: "We've been up there on two occasions: we were excellent for 87/88 minutes in the first game [a 1-1 draw in August].

"We did ever so well, especially after going down to 10 men. I thought we thoroughly deserved to take three points; unfortunately, we never, which was disappointing

Image source, Getty Images

"And then recently in the league [a 4-2 win in February] our performance was fantastic. We matched Aberdeen all over the place and our quality shone through.

"It'll be much of the same in terms of our approach: we'll be ready for the rivalry and the battle, and try to match them in all the departments you have to.

"Hopefully, our quality will shine through."

What's that you say? A few stats to chew over with your roll and sausage?

• Aberdeen and Rangers have shared 10 goals in four games this season
• The Dons have beaten Rangers twice this season but lost their recent league clash
• Ranges have been unbeaten at Pittodrie since September 2016
• Derek McInnes has guided the Dons to three Scottish Cup semi-finals
• Rangers have appeared in the semi-finals in the past three campaigns

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has urged his players to keep their discipline against Rangers this afternoon.

Defender Scott McKenna and Alfredo Morelos received their marching orders when the sides met last month.

"It's ifs and buts, but it's a reminder to all my players that they've got an obligation and responsibility on the pitch," says McInnes.

"The game can be difficult to referee and the game can be full of aggression and the supporters demand that. But we've got to be careful.

Image source, SNS

"We sound like a broken record for this fixture, but you've got to keep your composure. Play with the fire in the belly that the game needs, but also play with your head and a calmness.

"I've said it before Morelos is their star player. He's got 28 goals in all competitions and there's no doubting the boy's a very good footballer."

One down, three to go. Who will join Celtic in the last four of the Scottish Cup?

Sunday afternoon's menu is enough to whet the fussiest of football appetites.

Aberdeen host Rangers at Pittodrie, before our focus turns to Dundee United v Inverness CT.

Image source, SNS