It's not going to be easy for them. Derek McInnes, very shrewd and experienced, knows the pressure that can come onto an Aberdeen side when it is not going well.
His side has got quite a substantial support up from Ayrshire. It's full, it's packed. They're going to create an atmosphere as well.
It's a really intriguing tie this one.
KICK-OFF
Aberdeen 0-0 Kilmarnock
Our first Scottish Cup quarter-final is under way.
Who will be the first to bag a spot at Hampden?
'Aberdeen must react'
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC One Scotland
Aberdeen have to show some sort of reaction.
Kilmarnock will be aggressive, they'll make Aberdeen defend and they have to stand up to it.
Be prepared ⏰
Kilmarnock v Aberdeen (12:15)
If you have plans for later this afternoon, I reckon you get in there early doors and send that warning text saying you might be a tad late.
That's because all four of the last Scottish Cup meetings between Aberdeen and Kilmarnock have been a draw after 90 minutes - the Dons winning in extra-time and on penalties in both of the two replays.
We could be in it for the long haul, troops.
Hampden awaits
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
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What's going on with Miovski?
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
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Bojan Miovski's 22 goals show that it's been a stellar season for the Macedonian, but something doesn't feel right at the moment.
The striker is goalless in his last five games, and received a verbal clip on the ear from Neil Warnock when he switched off at a corner at Rugby Park a fortnight ago.
Having scored three of Aberdeen's four goals in the Scottish Cup this season, perhaps this afternoon will be the moment one of the league's brightest talents shines again.
Donning new colours
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
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When Derek McInnes reunited with former Aberdeen charges Marley Watkins and Matty Kennedy this summer, it's fair to say nobody's world was set on fire at Rugby Park.
Expected by many to be no more than solid Premiership pick-ups, the two have flourished in blue and white and are now two of Kilmarnock's most important players.
Kennedy has arguably been their best player since the turn of the year and will be missed today. The winger has already matched his goal tally from three years at Pittodrie, which includes a goal in the fixture between these sides two weeks ago.
Watkins, meanwhile, has 10 goals in 33 appearances for Killie, compared to his one in 31 appearances last term. Not sure anyone saw this form coming. Except McInnes, of course.
Post update
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Tony Docherty
Dundee manager on BBC One Scotland
This has got all the makings of a fascinating cup tie.
'I want us to expect to get to Hampden' - McInnes
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Video content
Video caption: McInnes pre mactchMcInnes pre mactch
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "We’re going into the game in good form, and pleased with what the players are giving us. There’s been a real consistency as well with results and selection — two changes to the team over the last wee while.
"It’s an opportunity, we have to do it all again and get to work. Hopefully we bring a big performance and it’s enough to get us into the semi-final.
"Even if Aberdeen had beaten us three times this season, we would still see this as a real opportunity. I think with cup ties it’s just about getting through. It’s finding a way to do that, normally through a level of performance is the big indicator but you also need loads of other factors.
"I’m pleased with what the players have been giving us and if they can give us what they’ve been giving us of late we have a chance of getting into a semi-final. I want us to be a team that expects to get to Hampden and expects us to compete in semi-finals, but we have got to overcome good teams and challenges to do that."
'We are a little bit apprehensive' - Warnock
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Video content
Video caption: Warnock pre matchWarnock pre match
Aberdeen interim manager Neil Warnock has insisted the Scottish Cup brings a fresh chance to kickstart his team's faltering campaign.
"It’s like a blessing in disguise," he tells BBC Scotland.
"I think the cup is special, wherever you are you’ve got to get as far as you can and it’s a great opportunity.
"I know they’ve not beaten Killie yet this season, I think they’ve lost three times but we’ve just got to get on the front foot and get the crowd behind us and give it a right good go."
"I think we have just got to be on the front foot and try to enjoy it. I know I go on about enjoying it, but we are a little bit apprehensive after last week, [we were] kicked in the teeth really.
"They’re a good group of lads and they’ve a good week of training. What an opportunity to put that all behind them."
"They’re a good side aren’t they? They’re good at what they do, it’s very difficult to play against. I think we have got to try and be better than what we were."
Post update
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Right, let's see how the managers are feeling ahead of this one.
Nervous? You'd think so.
Kilmarnock's long wait
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
As Kilmarnock fans engulfed John Finnie Street in the town's centre to celebrate the club's Scottish Cup win on 24 May 1997, they probably didn't expect to still be waiting to see their team back in the final four of the famous competition.
That historic season was the last time the Ayrshire side reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. Sounds mental, but it's true.
Can they end the wait this afternoon?
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Kilmarnock captain Ray Montgomerie celebrates with Kilmarnock supporters after lifting the Scottish CupImage caption: Kilmarnock captain Ray Montgomerie celebrates with Kilmarnock supporters after lifting the Scottish Cup
Warnock's record
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
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Seven games
One win
Two draws
Four defeats
Winless in six league outings
Nine goals scored
Thirteen goals conceded
10th in the Premiership
Is Scottish Cup Warnock's salvation?
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
One of the first things Neil Warnock said as interim Aberdeen boss was how much he'd love to win the first cup of his career.
He also expressed a desire to get the club back into Europe. It now appears the only realistic way that can happen is to fulfil that goal of lifting the Scottish Cup.
The only win of his short tenure so far came in the competition, when they saw off a spirited Bonnyrigg Rose of tier four.
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Sportscene is live 📺
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
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Time to dig out the remote and stick on the telly.
Sportscene is up and running on BBC One Scotland, as Steven Thompson is joined by former Dons and Killie assistant - and current Dundee boss - Tony Docherty, alongside ex-Scotland international James McFadden.
You can also watch on the iPlayer and right at the top this page. Easy days.
McInnes wants it all
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
"I can have both."
Those were the words of Derek McInnes when asked to pick between lifting the Scottish Cup and finishing fourth in the top-flight.
That sentiment was echoed by young midfielder David Watson, showing the belief and hunger in the Rugby Park dressing room.
Victory today would be a considerable step in the right direction from a Kilmarnock perspective.
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Story so far
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
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Rudderless Aberdeen felt a European hangover as they were swept aside by Kilmarnock in OctoberImage caption: Rudderless Aberdeen felt a European hangover as they were swept aside by Kilmarnock in October
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A closer affair at Pittodrie in December was decided in stunning fashion as David Watson's sensational injury-time winner gave Kilmarnock their first away league win of the seasonImage caption: A closer affair at Pittodrie in December was decided in stunning fashion as David Watson's sensational injury-time winner gave Kilmarnock their first away league win of the season
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Corrie Ndaba's first Killie goal got the home side moving at Rugby Park a fortnight ago, with Matty Kennedy grabbing the second in another commanding display against the DonsImage caption: Corrie Ndaba's first Killie goal got the home side moving at Rugby Park a fortnight ago, with Matty Kennedy grabbing the second in another commanding display against the Dons
The times they are a-changin'
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Even in the heady heights of the Steve Clarke era, Aberdeen remained Kilmarnock's bogey team.
Both sides of the Old Firm struggled in Ayrshire, but the Pittodrie side always seemed to find a way to win.
This year, though, times have changed. Three games. Three Killie wins. Five goals for Derek McInnes' men. None for Aberdeen.
Let's remind ourselves of how those contests have unfolded so far...
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Post update
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Not only has Derek McInnes flipped fortunes for Kilmarnock as a whole, but quite specifically, in this very fixture.
Let's take a wee look.
The decision that flipped fortunes
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Nick McPheat
BBC Scotland
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What's that saying about sliding doors again?
It's a phrase that will come to the minds of many when Europe-chasing Kilmarnock rock up at relegation-fearing Aberdeen on Saturday.
If the contrasting trajectories of both clubs need to be pinned on one person, it's the man who will be standing in the visiting dugout at Pittodrie.
Three years to the day since his reign as Dons manager ended, Derek McInnes prepares to lead his Ayrshire side to the Granite City in a position of superiority.
Kilmarnock are five places and 14 points better off than Neil Warnock's Aberdeen, who are looking to haul themselves away from the unfathomable prospect of a first top-flight relegation
But it's a Scottish Cup semi-final place - something McInnes achieved five times in eight years at Pittodrie - the pair are playing for this weekend in front of the BBC Scotland cameras.
Live Reporting
Sean McGill
All times stated are UK
'Pressure on Warnock'
Aberdeen 0-0 Kilmarnock
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
The pressure is very much still on Warnock.
It's not going to be easy for them. Derek McInnes, very shrewd and experienced, knows the pressure that can come onto an Aberdeen side when it is not going well.
His side has got quite a substantial support up from Ayrshire. It's full, it's packed. They're going to create an atmosphere as well.
It's a really intriguing tie this one.
KICK-OFF
Aberdeen 0-0 Kilmarnock
Our first Scottish Cup quarter-final is under way.
Who will be the first to bag a spot at Hampden?
'Aberdeen must react'
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC One Scotland
Aberdeen have to show some sort of reaction.
Kilmarnock will be aggressive, they'll make Aberdeen defend and they have to stand up to it.
Be prepared ⏰
Kilmarnock v Aberdeen (12:15)
If you have plans for later this afternoon, I reckon you get in there early doors and send that warning text saying you might be a tad late.
That's because all four of the last Scottish Cup meetings between Aberdeen and Kilmarnock have been a draw after 90 minutes - the Dons winning in extra-time and on penalties in both of the two replays.
We could be in it for the long haul, troops.
Hampden awaits
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
What's going on with Miovski?
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Bojan Miovski's 22 goals show that it's been a stellar season for the Macedonian, but something doesn't feel right at the moment.
The striker is goalless in his last five games, and received a verbal clip on the ear from Neil Warnock when he switched off at a corner at Rugby Park a fortnight ago.
Having scored three of Aberdeen's four goals in the Scottish Cup this season, perhaps this afternoon will be the moment one of the league's brightest talents shines again.
Donning new colours
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
When Derek McInnes reunited with former Aberdeen charges Marley Watkins and Matty Kennedy this summer, it's fair to say nobody's world was set on fire at Rugby Park.
Expected by many to be no more than solid Premiership pick-ups, the two have flourished in blue and white and are now two of Kilmarnock's most important players.
Kennedy has arguably been their best player since the turn of the year and will be missed today. The winger has already matched his goal tally from three years at Pittodrie, which includes a goal in the fixture between these sides two weeks ago.
Watkins, meanwhile, has 10 goals in 33 appearances for Killie, compared to his one in 31 appearances last term. Not sure anyone saw this form coming. Except McInnes, of course.
Post update
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Tony Docherty
Dundee manager on BBC One Scotland
This has got all the makings of a fascinating cup tie.
'I want us to expect to get to Hampden' - McInnes
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Video content
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes tells BBC Scotland: "We’re going into the game in good form, and pleased with what the players are giving us. There’s been a real consistency as well with results and selection — two changes to the team over the last wee while.
"It’s an opportunity, we have to do it all again and get to work. Hopefully we bring a big performance and it’s enough to get us into the semi-final.
"Even if Aberdeen had beaten us three times this season, we would still see this as a real opportunity. I think with cup ties it’s just about getting through. It’s finding a way to do that, normally through a level of performance is the big indicator but you also need loads of other factors.
"I’m pleased with what the players have been giving us and if they can give us what they’ve been giving us of late we have a chance of getting into a semi-final. I want us to be a team that expects to get to Hampden and expects us to compete in semi-finals, but we have got to overcome good teams and challenges to do that."
'We are a little bit apprehensive' - Warnock
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Video content
Aberdeen interim manager Neil Warnock has insisted the Scottish Cup brings a fresh chance to kickstart his team's faltering campaign.
"It’s like a blessing in disguise," he tells BBC Scotland.
"I think the cup is special, wherever you are you’ve got to get as far as you can and it’s a great opportunity.
"I know they’ve not beaten Killie yet this season, I think they’ve lost three times but we’ve just got to get on the front foot and get the crowd behind us and give it a right good go."
"I think we have just got to be on the front foot and try to enjoy it. I know I go on about enjoying it, but we are a little bit apprehensive after last week, [we were] kicked in the teeth really.
"They’re a good group of lads and they’ve a good week of training. What an opportunity to put that all behind them."
"They’re a good side aren’t they? They’re good at what they do, it’s very difficult to play against. I think we have got to try and be better than what we were."
Post update
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Right, let's see how the managers are feeling ahead of this one.
Nervous? You'd think so.
Kilmarnock's long wait
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
As Kilmarnock fans engulfed John Finnie Street in the town's centre to celebrate the club's Scottish Cup win on 24 May 1997, they probably didn't expect to still be waiting to see their team back in the final four of the famous competition.
That historic season was the last time the Ayrshire side reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. Sounds mental, but it's true.
Can they end the wait this afternoon?
Warnock's record
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Is Scottish Cup Warnock's salvation?
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
One of the first things Neil Warnock said as interim Aberdeen boss was how much he'd love to win the first cup of his career.
He also expressed a desire to get the club back into Europe. It now appears the only realistic way that can happen is to fulfil that goal of lifting the Scottish Cup.
The only win of his short tenure so far came in the competition, when they saw off a spirited Bonnyrigg Rose of tier four.
Sportscene is live 📺
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Time to dig out the remote and stick on the telly.
Sportscene is up and running on BBC One Scotland, as Steven Thompson is joined by former Dons and Killie assistant - and current Dundee boss - Tony Docherty, alongside ex-Scotland international James McFadden.
You can also watch on the iPlayer and right at the top this page. Easy days.
McInnes wants it all
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
"I can have both."
Those were the words of Derek McInnes when asked to pick between lifting the Scottish Cup and finishing fourth in the top-flight.
That sentiment was echoed by young midfielder David Watson, showing the belief and hunger in the Rugby Park dressing room.
Victory today would be a considerable step in the right direction from a Kilmarnock perspective.
Story so far
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
The times they are a-changin'
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Even in the heady heights of the Steve Clarke era, Aberdeen remained Kilmarnock's bogey team.
Both sides of the Old Firm struggled in Ayrshire, but the Pittodrie side always seemed to find a way to win.
This year, though, times have changed. Three games. Three Killie wins. Five goals for Derek McInnes' men. None for Aberdeen.
Let's remind ourselves of how those contests have unfolded so far...
Post update
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Not only has Derek McInnes flipped fortunes for Kilmarnock as a whole, but quite specifically, in this very fixture.
Let's take a wee look.
The decision that flipped fortunes
Aberdeen v Kilmarnock (12:15)
Nick McPheat
BBC Scotland
What's that saying about sliding doors again?
It's a phrase that will come to the minds of many when Europe-chasing Kilmarnock rock up at relegation-fearing Aberdeen on Saturday.
If the contrasting trajectories of both clubs need to be pinned on one person, it's the man who will be standing in the visiting dugout at Pittodrie.
Three years to the day since his reign as Dons manager ended, Derek McInnes prepares to lead his Ayrshire side to the Granite City in a position of superiority.
Kilmarnock are five places and 14 points better off than Neil Warnock's Aberdeen, who are looking to haul themselves away from the unfathomable prospect of a first top-flight relegation
But it's a Scottish Cup semi-final place - something McInnes achieved five times in eight years at Pittodrie - the pair are playing for this weekend in front of the BBC Scotland cameras.
Read Nick's full piece on what's followed McInnes' Dons departure.