The Knights are coming off consecutive wins, moving just outside the relegation zone for the first time this season.

The form of Kevin Townson and Jean Dubois has been important in wins over Oakleigh and Richmond on either side of the Easter break.

Meanwhile, South Melbourne is one of two undefeated teams remaining.

Despite a less than impressive performance against Heidelberg United last weekend, South snatched a late draw and has remained in the top five.

The competition's equal top scorer in Fernando De Moraes may return to the starting team after having an influence as a substitute against Heidelberg.

Meanwhile, Hume City will host the Oakleigh Cannons in a top of the table clash at Broadmeadows Valley Park.

City has established itself as a title favourite with five wins, built on a defence that has conceded the equal-least goals in the competition.

It faces a tough challenge with the visiting Cannons side keen to bounce back from a surprise home loss to the Melbourne Knights last week.

Key to the fixture will be the functioning of the Cannons attack, with Bill Damianos, Cameron Watson and Jerry Karpeh capable of causing Hume problems in the attacking third.

Green Gully will look to break its home ground hoodoo when its hosts Northcote City in an intriguing mid-table clash on Saturday.

The Cavaliers are the competition's worst home team, winless in three attempts at Green Gully Reserve.

After a dismal start to the season, Gully returned to the winner's list last weekend with an impressive 3-1 win at Bentleigh.

It was only the second time this season Gully had scored multiple goals in a game, the other being in its round two defeat of Richmond.

Northcote, who sits in seventh on the table, went down at Sunshine George Cross last week but will be buoyed by striker Trent Rixon's return.

The 25-year-old came on as a substitute and almost snatched a point for City late on, after an impressive start to the season that featured three goals.

City has lost three out of four games when it has travelled this season.

Opening the round, Richmond will host Sunshine George Cross in a huge top-five battle.

After failing to secure all the points against an undermanned Hume City last weekend, the home side will be hoping to jump clear of the Georgies.

The visitors benefited from a late goal from substitute Ben Cogger to get over the line last week and have the opportunity to present themselves as serious title challengers with a win at Richmond.

Dandenong Thunder faces a must-win clash when it hosts Bentleigh on Saturday night.

The Thunder has had a disastrous start to the season, slipping into the relegation zone with one win from the first six.

Meanwhile, the sixth-placed Greens have proven themselves on the road after gaining promotion.

It has lost just once from four trips this season and will look for in-form striker Damir Lokvancic to build on his three-goal tally.

Concluding the round, Heidelberg United will continue in its search for its first win of the season when it hosts Altona Magic on Sunday.

The Bergers came close at rival South Melbourne last weekend but could not hold on after an efficient performance.

The same is needed from a defence that looked solid in comparison to the 12 goals it had previously conceded this season.

Meanwhile, Magic could only take a draw from a home clash with Dandenong Thunder.

It sits eighth with matches involving Altona this season featuring just 10 goals.

The focus on defence may remain but a goal is needed early if it is to avoid a shock loss to a Heidelberg team desperate for a win.