The struggling Melbourne Knights will host the slow-starting Dandenong Thunder in a key clash between 10th and ninth respectively.

While both teams are struggling to win games anywhere, the Knights have won only one of six at home while the Thunder has the same record on the road.

Goals have been at a premium for Dandenong with only nine this season while the Knights need to get lively winger Kevin Townson into the action.

He has proven to be both a goal scorer and capable of setting up a number of chances.

GREEN Gully is forced on the road for the second week running, travelling to Hume City in a crunch match.

The Cavaliers scored a much-needed win at the Knights last week but need to back it up to remain in the finals race.

A substitute last week, Graham Hockless looked at his lively best in the centre of midfield and coach Paul Harris might be looking to use him as an impact player again in Broadmeadows.

City has continued on its fine run this season but hit a slight hurdle last week with James Kalifatidis scoring a late equaliser to gain a point for Northcote.

The side is slowly coming back together after an injury-hit start to the season and could be peaking at the business end.

HEIDELBERG United finally returned to the winner's list last week but faces another tough home challenger in Sunshine George Cross.

The Bergers finally won and in turn moved off the bottom of the ladder against the Thunder.

United has not had many problems finding the net but rather keeping the ball out, conceding 22 goals in 10 games this season.

It will need to be better against a Georgies side desperate for a win after a disappointing performance last week.

George Cross will be reeling from the loss of Kyle Joryeff to South Melbourne and now has three teams breathing down its neck for fifth spot.

The Georgies will need to find another goal scorer with Joryeff (four goals) gone with only Stuart Nicholson (three) and Evan Christodoulou (two) in multiples.

OAKLEIGH will look to continue the form it developed in the opening half of the season when it travels to Bentleigh on Friday night.

The Cannons are on top and have developed a knack for scoring quick goals.

Equal-leading competition goal scorer Jerry Karpeh scored twice in a couple of minutes to give his side breathing space at Altona last week.

The Greens have hit a form slump with consecutive losses.

The top five is within reach but they will need to secure at least a point at home to Oakleigh.

NORTHCOTE City-Richmond and South Melbourne-Altona Magic have been postponed for later in the season.

South Melbourne is set to play in the Singapore Cup with its first game against Gombak United on Wednesday the 26th of May at 9.30pm AEST.