Greece international Alexandros Tziolis becomes the first player into the referee's book by pulling back Aberdeen midfielder Kenny McLean.

Steven McLean had let a few other niggly challenges go but obviously decided he could wait no longer.

Jonny Hayes weaves his way into the Hearts penalty box and, unlucky for the winger, his cross bounces off team-mate Adam Rooney and over for a goal kick.

Hearts have rarely been out of their own half, but Sam Nicholson steps inside his marker and unleashes a powerful drive from 22 yards and goalkeeper Joe Lewis does well to tip over for the corner.

Aberdeen win two quick corners. Don Cowie scrambles clear at the back post from the first and goalkeeper Jack Hamilton easily holds the second.

Referee Steven McLean gets the game underway and Aberdeen kick-off against a Hearts side in their change strip of white jerseys and maroon shorts.

The players are emerging into the Aberdeen sunshine.

Chris McLaughlin
BBC Sport Scotland at Pittodrie

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro on BBC Radio Scotland: "There were positive things from the last game.

"What last week was was a sigh of relief for everybody. 

"Today is about that opportunity to add more confidence. 

"This is the level where we have to be competing at."

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Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes on BBC Radio Scotland: "When you are winning and playing well, the games can't come quick enough.

"Aberdeen-Hearts is always a good game.

"Hearts have lost some untidy games recently and probably didn't get their passing game going.

"But they played well against Hamilton and they do have a level of player there.

"We have to be on the front foot and not give them time on the ball."

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Championship leaders Hibernian will hope to extend their lead to nine points later before second-placed Falkirk host third-placed Greenock Morton in the evening kick-off being broadcast live on TV by BBC Alba.

However, the visitors to Easter Road, Dumbarton, think the signs are good that they can continue their own good form.

All is looking good around the country for this afternoon's programme of games in the Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two.

That's despite a bit of worry over this afternoon's Highland derby in the top flight.

Live build-up and commentary from Pittodrie is about to start on BBC Radio Scotland FM. 

If you are a fan of the oval ball, what the heck are you doing here? Go to the Scotland v Italy live text or tune in to BBC Radio Scotland MW!

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Taylor, O'Connor, Considine, Shinnie, Jack, McLean, McGinn, Hayes, Rooney.

Substitutes: Alexander, Christie, Pawlett, Stockley, Wright, Ross, Storey.

Hearts:  Hamilton, Struna, Avlonitis, Nowak, Sowah, Tziolis, Cowie, Djoum, Nicholson, Walker, Goncalves. 

Substitutes: Noring, Rherras, Hughes, Kitchen, Martin, Choulay, Johnsen.

Referee: Steven McLean (Scotland)

It seems pretty meaningless to state the fact, but a win for Aberdeen would reduce Celtic's lead at the top of the Premiership to 22 points.

More significantly, it would stretch their lead over Rangers to 11 points before the third-placed Ibrox outfit host Hamilton later.

A win for Hearts, who lie fourth, would bring them to within three points of Pedro Caixinha's new outfit.

Aberdeen make one change from last week's 1-0 win over Motherwell, with Andrew Considine returning to the defence following suspension.

It will mean a bit of reshuffle from manager Derek McInnes, with striker Jayden Stockley dropping to the bench.

Ian Cathro's Hearts are unchanged following their fine 4-0 victory over Hamilton, but veteran central defender Aaron Hughes makes the bench on his return from injury.

It is all done and dusted, apart from a point here or there, at the very top of the Premiership, but can Pedro Caixinha inspire Rangers and reduce the gap with second-placed Aberdeen? Or can Ian Cathro's Hearts come with a late charge? 

What are your first impressions of Rangers' new Portuguese manager?

Give us your thoughts on Twitter #bbcsportscot or comment on the BBC Sport Scotland Facebook page.

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Celtic's hopes of confirming another title will be somewhat doused by Aberdeen's home record.

Jim McIntyre's side are seeking a ninth successive victory at Pittodrie when they entertain Hearts - and have only lost once there - to Celtic - all season.

The Dons have also won 12 of their last 14 games in all competitions, while Hearts have only won four of 16 matches since Ian Cathro took over as head coach and are looking to avoid a third straight away defeat.

Hearts have yet to score against the Dons this season, drawing 0-0 on their last visit to Pittodrie in August and losing 1-0 at Tynecastle in December.

However, the Edinburgh side have only lost twice in their last 11 visits to Pittodrie.

Later this afternoon, Hamilton Academical's visit to Ibrox is Pedro Caixinha's first match as Rangers manager.

The Portuguese watched last week's 1-1 draw with Celtic from the stand.

Also at 15:00, it's Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Ross County in the Highland derby, Kilmarnock v Partick Thistle and Motherwell v St Johnstone.

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