The seventh placed Reds have been unable to register a win in their last seven outings, and sit just one point ahead of City on the National Premier Leagues Two West ladder.  

In contrast, Moreland City has managed to work its way into form with two wins over Box Hill United and Goulburn Valley in the past two weeks.

The Reds will be forced to play without acting captain Charlie King, who is yet to recover from concussion suffered during Ballarat’s loss to the Dandenong Thunder.  Simon Murphy will also sit out after earning a red card in last week’s draw with Brunswick City.

Reds coach James Robinson said a win on the road was critical for his charges after a lean month.

Anything less than three points from the clash at CB Smith Reserve will leave the Reds chasing the pack for the remaining nine games of the season.