First opportunity for Kilmarnock as they win a free-kick midway through the Rangers half.

Chris Burke sends in a dangerous low cross that Gary Dicker makes a mess of as he tries to fire towards goal. However, the midfielder's blushes are saved by an offside flag.

Julie Fleeting
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Another sustained spell of pressure from Rangers and, after a header clear from Stuart Findlay, Joe Aribo's half volley from the edge of the penalty flashes just over the crossbar.

Ouch!published at 9mins

9mins

Kilmarnock 0-0 Rangers

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos collapses to the deck and needs a bit of treatment.

Not sure what happened to the Colombian there as TV replays suggest there were no opponents within five feet away from him.

Looks like it may have been an ankle twist, but Morelos continues.

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

Its been an even start, but Rangers threaten first as Cedric Itten makes it to the by-line and cuts it back neatly into the path of Ryan Kent.

However, the winger scuffs his shot and it is blocked in front of goal by former Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot.

Ouch!published at 2mins

2mins

Kilmarnock 0-0 Rangers

Rangers striker Cedric Itten, making only his third start for the Ibrox side, makes his presence felt immediately with a strong challenge on Gary Dicker, sending the midfielder to the ground holding his ribs and conceding a foul.

The hosts get the game under way at Rugby Park.

Are Rangers heading for a nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership? Or will Kilmarnock regain fifth?

Here come the players into an empty stadium thanks to the continuing pandemic lockdown...

Image source, SNS

It's chilly but at least dry in Ayrshire as we approach kick-off at Rugby Park.

Remember, we have that Scottish Cup semi-final between Aberdeen and Celtic to come later, but stay with us as we concentrate for the moment on the action between Kilmarnock and Rangers.

Scottish-born Canada midfielder Scott Arfield has been in fine form for Rangers in recent weeks and will have his own special reason to do well at Rugby Park.

The former Falkirk, Huddersfield Town and Burnley player turns 32 today.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard tells Sky Sports: "We do have a lot of options and those options are quality players.

"The changes we're making, they're not back-up players. They're not squad players. They are arguable first-choice players.

"Kilmarnock have got good coaches, they've got a good manager. They've got good players today. There's a few players in there that obviously are not Ranger fans. They come and compete."

Image source, SNS

Let's hope today's games can prove as exciting as yesterday's Scottish Cup semi-final between Hearts and Hibs.

Remind yourselves of the thrilling finish by watching the highlights below.

What a frightening sight for opposition defences - Rangers' striking quartet.

If Alfredo Morelos (left) and Cedric Itten (right) don't perform today, manager Steven Gerrard can call on Jermain Defoe and Kemar Roofe, who have both scored spectacular goals in recent weeks, off the bench.

Image source, SNS

Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer has been explaining that he has to temper the enthusiasm of veteran winger Chris Burke.

The 36-year-old former Rangers and Scotland player has been persuaded not to train every day to preserve his energy - and it has paid off, with Burke being Kilmarnock's best and most influential performer this season.

Image source, SNS

Off The Ball
BBC Radio Scotland

There is an alternative listen from noon, with Stuart Cosgrove and Tam Cowan giving their off-the-wall views of Scottish football.

That's on BBC Radio Scotland FM until 14:00, when frequencies unite for coverage of the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer tells BBC Scotland: "I love this place, it's been very good to me since I've come here. I just want to give something back.

"Rangers are top of the league and they've got a good squad, good manager. It's a good test for us, but it's a good test for them coming here."

Explaining the decision to replace Greg Kiltie with fellow forward Rory McKenzie, Dyer adds: "Rory McKenzie comes in - he's been knocking at the door all week."

Image source, SNS

Julie Fleeting
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound

The statistics of recent form point to a Rangers victory at Rugby Park.

While Kilmarnock are looking to avoid a third consecutive home defeat, Rangers are unbeaten in 16 games, eight of them on the road, and are seeking a fifth consecutive away win.

Kilmarnock's two home defeats have come without scoring a goal, while Rangers have enjoyed five clean sheets in a row.

Image source, SNS

Billy Dodds
Former Scotland striker on BBC Sportsound