As other top teams stumble in the dying stages of the season, the Reds have extended their unbeaten streak to eight consecutive matches and have risen to second spot on the National Premier Leagues Victoria 1 west table.

Holding that position for the last four matches of the season would earn them a playoff match for promotion against the eastern conference.

But that is too far in the future to even enter the thoughts of coach James Robinson.

First on the agenda is a home game against Melbourne City, which is sitting just one point behind Ballarat in fourth position.

“Nothing changes for us - we have four games left and we know we have to take it one game at a time,” Robinson said.

“This will give us our focus and compliment what we have done all season so far.

“We strive each week to get better and this week is no different, we can only control our environment so there is no point in thinking or talking about external situations.

“We are in a position to solidify second spot and give us the best possible chance of achieving our targets each and every game.”

With Bulleen Lions still six points clear on top of table and likely to earn automatic promotion, it is realistically down to five other teams fighting it out for second spot.

Just four premiership points separate the second-placed McDonalds Reds and sixth-placed St Albans Saints, in a congested top end of the table.

Saturday’s clash with Melbourne City will have massive implications at the pointy end of the ladder and Robinson said he was expecting a fiery affair.

“We know Melbourne City are going to come here to play and give us a good football game. That's the nature when you have a fantastic pitch and stadium - opposition teams lift,” he said.

“There is an obstacle though for teams that stands in there way - you have to earn the right to play at our stadium.

“Will they work as hard as us? Will they be relentless like us? Good teams relish that environment so I expect a great game.”

Daniel Firth will be unavailable, James King is out with illness and Jimmy Downey will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.

The Reds face Box Hill (fifth in the east), Bulleen (first in the west) and Moreland Zebras (third in the west) in the final three rounds.