IRYMPLE Knights can overtake Mildura City on top of the S-League ladder this week, but victory against Mildura United on Sunday is a must.
With the defending champions having the bye, a Knights win would take both sides to a 7-1 record from eight games.
However, they need at least a three-goal margin in their favour to advance via goal difference.
United however will want to prove themselves against a competition heavyweight, with the third-placed side already drastically improved on 2022.
Their 2-5 record and negative-nine goal difference is far superior to last season’s winless campaign, with three draws and a minus-39 difference leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table.
Wayesou Froriberi struck three goals in the opening four rounds, while Bireke Rumbuka and Justino Bili each have two goals to their name.
Meanwhile, Three Colours aim to lift themselves from the bottom of the table against fourth-placed Nichols Point.
Sofiane El Ghhazali has proven himself a danger in front of goal, while Martin Lucas has also been impressive for Colours.
Despite the Pointers not finding many avenues to score this season, Lachlan Giles, Jack Mills and Connor O’Callaghan all found the back of the net last week in their 9-3 loss to City.
In senior women’s action Mildura City can confirm an unassailable title lead with victory over Nichols Point.
It will be the Kenny Park girls’ first hit-out since late May following two wins via forfeit, byes and competition-wide weekends off.
The Pointers captured their first win of the season last week against Irymple Knights, with Imogen Tynan and Caitlyn Czapla scoring four and three goals respectively during the 9-1 demolition.
Senior women begin at 1pm at Soccer Park at Aero Ovals, while senior men begin at 3.10pm.