An early slip from Daniel Oyegoke allows Aberdeen forward on the left. Leighton Clarkson's cross is blocked and they win a corner inside a minute.

It results in a second corner and it falls to Kristers Tobers from a yard out - but the new signing scoops it rather than drilling it and goalkeeper Craig Gordon produces a fine save to keep them out.

Hamza Igamane with an early effort for Rangers, striking first time after a one-two with Danilo.

It's a bit like yesterday's FA Cup stunner from Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes for Birmingham City.

Only, in the Moroccan's case, the ball sails wide, but it's a clear sign of intent.

We are under way in Aberdeen, where Hearts are in their dark blue away kit, and Glasgow, where Saints are in their change maroon strip.

Who will have the blues by the final whistles?

The teams are emerging at Ibrox and Pittodrie...lively crowds at both too!

James Penrice is emerging as the latest in a long line of quality Scottish left-backs, following in the footsteps of Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, to name just two.

A bit of a late developer at 26, Penrice has been the brightest spark in some dark times for Hearts at the start of this season.

The former Livingston defender has been directly involved in four goals in his latest seven league appearances for Hearts (two goals, two assists). He has never scored or assisted more in a single Premiership campaign.

Image source, SNS

While the form book maybe suggests Hearts could take something from Pittodrie, Aberdeen have won each of their last nine home games against today's visitors, who have not won at Pittodrie in 12 visits since a 1-0 win in May 2016.

Strangely, none of the last 22 league meetings between Aberdeen and Hearts have been won by the away side (17 home wins, five draws), with Aberdeen the last visiting side to win this fixture in May 2017.

Will it be an away victory this time? Thumbs up for yes below, thumbs down for no.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari tells BBC Scotland: "Very big challenge, but at the same time, big opportunity.

"No-one expects us to get anything here, but we do believe in our team. We know it will be difficult, we know what we need to do and we need to play a top, top game to do it.

"Defend moments very well and then, when we get these attacking moments, we need to take our chances. Every game, it's almost like a last chance for us to get the points. We go all in and let's see what it takes.

"We need the points as well. They are a little bit edgy, so we need to ask questions. Frustrate first the team then frustrate maybe the fans then it's a possibility."

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley tells BBC Scotland: "One [change] is enforced, with Liam Boyce leaving, and a couple just to freshen the team up. Jamie [McCart] has trained well since he's come in and he deserves an opportunity to play.

"Aberdeen away is always a tough game. We haven't won here since 2016, so it's about time that changed. We're wary of a team that's losing games or on a run of form like Aberdeen, because eventually that will turn.

"Moments have gone against them in the last few games and hopefully that continues. In the last few games, we've played well as a team, kept clean sheets, which has given us the base to attack games and produce moments of quality."

Image source, SNS

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie Stadium

Thankfully, after what has felt like a right old Arctic blast in the north east of late, there are signs the snow is starting to melt - but it is still perishing at Pittodrie, make no mistake about that.

Aberdeen's recent form has been poor, but it is funny how news of a couple of signings and a contract extension can evoke some positivity among the home support.

They will be hoping that positivity can now translate itself on to the pitch in terms of getting back on the victory trail.

As for Hearts, head coach Neil Critchley is in positive spirits himself - and why not? His side appear to have turned a corner in the last few games, but he is telling me he is in no way being fooled by the poor form of their hosts ahead of this game.

Hamza Igamane is the man of the moment for Rangers - and has played a major role in keeping manager Philippe Clement in a job.

Having been viewed as a long-term project when signed from AS FAR in his native Morocco last summer, the 22-year-old striker has in recent months become the go-to man up front.

If it was not for his 11 goals - seven in the Premiership - with a double in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell and hat-trick in the 3-3 thriller with Hibernian, the Ibrox side could have slipped even further than their current 18 points behind leaders Celtic.

Igamane's emergence has been crucial for Clement along with Ianis Hagi's four league assists since the classy Romania midfielder returned to the fold after a contractual issue.

Image source, SNS

Faltering Aberdeen - without a win in 10 games and who have lost five in a row - host second-bottom Hearts having slipped three points behind Dundee United after the third-top side won 1-0 away to St Mirren on Saturday.

That poor Dons run includes four home games without a victory and their losing run is the longest losing streak since losing seven in a row in December 2010.

The improving visitors are seeking a third straight win and fourth game without defeat.

On top of the form book, history also heavily favours a home win at Ibrox.

Rangers have won each of their last eight meetings with St Johnstone across all competitions, all without conceding, with the Perth side winless in their latest 11 visits to Rangers in all competitions (losing nine of them) since a 3-1 victory in December 2017.

The Saints have scored just two goals in those 11 away trips.

While Rangers have slipped 18 points adrift of Celtic at the top of the Premiership and have only won one of their latest four games, they remain unbeaten in those outings and sit second in the table.

Indeed, their problems have mainly been away from Ibrox, where they are unbeaten in nine games since losing 4-1 to Lyon in the Europa League and have not lost at home domestically this season, winning 11 of their last 12 home league games.

St Johnstone, meanwhile, are eight points adrift of today's visitors to Pittodrie, Hearts, at the foot of the table having not won in eight outings, losing six of them, and have not won away from Perth in five trips since beating Dundee.

Can Saints produce an upset? Thumbs up below for yes, thumbs down for no.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Pittodrie Stadium

Just a few months ago, there was a points chasm as wide as the North Sea between Aberdeen and Hearts.

The Dons were flying high, sweeping all before them, while the capital side were languishing at the wrong end of the table.

Oh how things have changed – while the Pittodrie side remain well placed in the table, they have slipped to fourth, and are now 10 games without a win.

Hearts are still second bottom, but their form has really picked up of late and, incredibly, if they can get the victory in the Granite City, they will move to within just eight points of Aberdeen.

Amy Canavan
BBC Scotland

Philippe Clement is not the only manager under pressure at Ibrox this afternoon.

Saints' Simo Valakari admitted in the aftermath of the 3-1 defeat by Dundee last time out that relegation is "a big possibility" and said in his press conference on Thursday he does not blame players for not wanting to join the club in January.

Not exactly a rallying cry, nor is it what St Johnstone fans will want to hear as additions appear a necessity for a team devoid of cohesion and confidence.

The Finn has found himself in a downward spiral since pitching up in Perth and he desperately needs to find a lifeline before he, and the Saints, sink any deeper.

Read Scottish Premiership Picks in full.

Image source, SNS

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Ibrox Stadium

Philippe Clement has been backed by chief executive Patrick Stewart on the basis that results improve. Increasingly, fans seem unconvinced by that and how the club is being run in general. It is eerily quiet around this stadium right now.

Two fan groups have urged supporters to leave Ibrox in the 55th minute in protest. Whether that plays out we'll see, but it's clear, for many, they've come to their conclusion. Their league position is simply not good enough for these supporters.

That said, the home record is strong and they couldn't have handpicked a better fixture right now than against a struggling St Johnstone.

For Simo Valakari's side, no-one will expect much here, but they badly need something to fall their way.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland he has started his two new signings "to get quality in the team".

"Kristers [Tobers] has his leadership," he explained. "He's young but still experienced, captained the [Latvia] national team. Oppers is good in behind but also a good combination player."

As for Jack MacKenzie's absense, Thelin adds: "He has some small issues to deal with. Hopefully we get him back as quick as possible."

Rangers manager Philippe Clement tells BBC Scotland: "We know what situation are in for the moment. We miss a lot of players. We're trying to find solutions for that. It's not that everything is going wrong, but I understand that fans are very frustrated."

On the prospect of fans walking out after 55 minutes, Clement commented: "I hope that the team makes a performance that fans want to stay at that moment. When the team is performing well then all the fans are behind the team.

"Fans are unhappy when the results aren't there. There's a lot of jobs to be done in this club, a lot of things have changed and it's about getting consistency, especially in the away games.

"I will take everything on me. I know how fast things can change also if you perform and you get results."

On transfers, Clement added: "I've looked at several players I think can help the club and now it's about the club seeing what is possible."

Image source, SNS

January signing from Rotherham United Jamie McCart makes his full debut for Hearts at Pittodrie after coming off the bench against Dundee United. He replaces the allegedly exiting Kye Rowles in defence, with the Australia international on the bench.

Right-back Daniel Oyegoke and midfielder Beni Baningime are the other two changes, replacing Adam Forrester and Liam Boyce, the striker having left for Derry City.

Jorge Grant could move up into the number 10 role.

Elton Kabangu is named on the bench after the Belgian striker was granted a work permit following his loan switch from Union Saint-Gilloise.

There is still no sign of Zander Clark, who has been the sub goalkeeper all season, amid transfer speculation of a move away from Gorgie.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen hand debuts to Kristers Tobers, the defender bought from Grasshoppers Zurich, and Jeppe Okkels, the winger on loan from Preston North End.

Leighton Clarkson and James McGarry also make starts in midfield, with left-back Jack MacKenzie missing from the Aberdeen squad.

Centre-half Slobodan Rubezic is suspended, which could mean Sivert Heltne Nilsen dropping into defence.

Angus MacDonald is named on the bench, as is Duk.

Image source, SNS