The game is now underway, but there is no VAR currently at McDiarmid Park because of electricity problems as the rain pours down in Perth.

No major issues that would have needed its intervention yet as the rain remains relentless.

A well-weighted Alan Forrest pass frees Lawrence Shankland down the line, but his cross is too high and evades Yutaro Oda in the middle of the area.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Tony Macaroni

There's a pesky wasp in determined mood and causing chaos in the media seats here.

It has no respect for legends either. Former Aberdeen player and manager Willie Miller has had to swat it away numerous times. Very little happening on the pitch.

We're off!

Belatedly, this one starts in Perth following those VAR issues.

Antonio Portales' league debut for Dundee looks to have lasted just three minutes. The centre-half's sat on a plastic chair in the dugout and he doesn't look best pleased. It's a problem with his knee.

Josh Mulligan is on in his place. A day to forget for the Mexican.

Not quite started in Perth yet as the players hang about on both halves of the pitch waiting for kick-off.

A couple of balls have been thrown on for players to keep warm in the pouring rain.

It's due to an issue with the referee's communication back to the VAR base.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland

Some breaking news for Hearts fans!

Costa Rican striker Kenneth Vargas arrives in Edinburgh this afternoon to complete the formalities on signing for the Tynecastle club from Herediano in his homeland.

Whistles are blowing around the country. Stay with us for the action as it happens in the three Premiership games and updates elsewhere...

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at the Tony Macaroni

Aberdeen fans have travelled to West Lothian in fabulous numbers. 4,300 fans are here filling almost two sides of the Tony Macaroni Stadium. A sea of red opposite to the stand where I'm sitting.

And they're not just here in great numbers, but they're here in great voice too. If that doesn't spur on the away side. I don't know what will.

Dundee boss Tony Docherty tells the BBC Scotland: "When you bring in [12] players, it is going to take time to gel.

"Where we are now, I'm pleased with the progress. I see us getting stronger every day. I know that's only going to get better."

St Johnstone manager Steven MacLean tells BBC Scotland: “We’re delighted with our business. They bring that freshness to the group as well, which helps, and hopefully they have a good career for St Johnstone and hopefully a good start today."

However, he still annoyed with last week's home loss to Stirling, adding: "I could have made 11 changes if I had 11, but I think we’ve got a team out there ready to compete and to represent myself and the cub the way I want them to."

Aberdeen manager Barry Robson tells Sportsound he had no hesitation throwing Slobodan Rubezic, the centre-half signing from Novi Pazar, in to the starting XI: "I'm expecting him to perform. We've watched a lot of him, we know he's just in but he's settled in nicely.

"He's a big aggressive defender, so maybe this is the right game for him given me know Livingston will put us under a lot of pressure and ask questions.

"We're still trying to get players in, I don't think any club will be at their maximum at the minute, but we're pretty pleased with the team we have out today."

Image source, SNS

Tyrone Smith
BBC Scotland at Dens Park

There was torrential rain in Dundee this morning, but the ground staff have been working hard to clear a puddle from the far side of the pitch.

The rest of the pitch at Dens is generally okay and most of the water has been cleared from that far corner, so it is all systems go. Hopefully, there are no more downpours.

Image source, SNS

Hearts head coach Frankie McAvoy tells BBC Scotland explains that Liam Boyce and Beni Baningime were pushing for starts after their return from injury but it was decided to leave them on the bench along with Alex Lowry, who arrived from Rangers yesterday.

"To be fair we’ve been talking about it for a wee while, in the last week or two, and there was quite a lot of interest in him with teams down South, but he chose Hearts and we’re delighted with that," he said of the 20-year-old midfielder.

“He’s an excellent footballer, great with the ball, fantastic quality, good young man that’s at a big massive club in Rangers and he just needs opportunities and chances to come and play."

Image source, SNS

Livingston are unbeaten in four matches if you discount losing the bonus-point shootout against Hamilton Academical.

They have also beaten Aberdeen in their two most recent visits to the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Will the visitors' pre-season friendlies be an indication of their readiness for their first competitive fixture?

Aberdeen improved on a 2-0 defeat away to Preston North End with an impressive 3-2 win over Charlton Athletic in London considering they were 3-0 up by half time.

St Johnstone will look to put a dismal Viaplay Cup campaign behind them as they entertain Hearts.

They lost three of four group games, including their latest two at home – to second-tier Ayr United before a 4-0 humbling by League 2 champions Stirling Albion.

It's Hearts' first competitive game following a less than promising run of pre-season friendly results. They did beat Fleetwood Town but lost to Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic and Leeds United.

They did, though, win all three meetings with Saints last season - including their first victory at McDiarmid Park in 16 visits.

Dundee failed to qualify from their Viaplay Cup group behind second-tier Airdrieonians, but they are seeking their third consecutive home win of the season as they mark their Premiership return at home to Motherwell.

The visitors won all four of their group games if you include the penalty-kick bonus point following their draw with Queen of the South.

And they will hope to improve on their most recent meetings with Dundee, having lost both visits to Dens Park last time the Dark Blues were in the top flight.