Dons are facing a stern test

Roy Aitken, the Aberdeen manager, has urged his players not to give up their battle for survival, even though the Dons could reach the point of no return today when they face Hearts at Tynecastle.

Victories for Dundee United at home to Hibernian and Partick Thistle at Kilmarnock, plus an Aberdeen defeat, will condemn the Pittodrie club to the first-ever relegation in their history. "I feel it will go to the last game - but only if we start getting victories," Aitken said.

At Brockville, Falkirk entertain Celtic in the quest for a Uefa Cup place. The Bairns are one point behind Motherwell, and Celtic must hope that Paul McStay, Pierre Van Hooijdonk and Tosh McKinlay are able to return after missing the 1-0 defeat by Hearts 10 days ago.

Partick Thistle have suspension worries as Wayne Foster completes a three- match ban while Gregg Watson and Rod McDonald are out for one match.

At Ibrox, Rangers entertain a Motherwell side still leading the chase for second place. But the home fans will not see the championship trophy presented - that will happen on 13 May, the last day of the season.