The Border outfit dropped to sixth after last weekend’s shock loss to Richmond, but would need a lot of results to go against them for Eastern Lions to get off the bottom and leave them in danger of relegation. 

Coach James Coutts is hoping his side can rectify the errors it made in what he labelled a poor performance. 

“It's well documented they've (Dandenong City) brought in very strong players this season and are looking to get promoted,” Coutts said.

“They certainly can't afford to lose or draw considering they dropped points to Box Hill last Friday night.”

Dandenong City’s leading goal scorer Shaun Filipovic sits second in the league with 18 to his name and is a player Murray must be wary of.

“Halil (Gur) will be back in this week which I felt we missed him last week and that will hopefully play a big part in keeping him quiet,” Coutts said.

“We only find out from FFV (Football Federation Victoria) on the Friday morning (before the game) when someone is suspended.

“Halil notified us that he was on four yellows and he was okay, but he had his fifth yellow last week, so he had to miss one game which was frustrating.

“He had three carrying (from Richmond) where we only thought he had two.”

Star striker Gonzalo Freddi missed the second half last weekend with a nerve issue behind his knee, but Coutts is hopeful he will be fit to line up on Saturday.

Both Freddi and Sean Pye will continued to be monitored in the lead-up, but Coutts has declared himself a certain starter after getting through the second half last weekend without any further trouble with his ankle.

Coutts and a number of players will be in contract talks at the end of the season.

He has been pleased with the progression of the club this season and certainly wants to be part of its future.

“I've been here a couple of years now and keeping the core group of players together is vital,” Coutts said.

“The ones who have been here for a while and been through the struggles are now starting to see the rewards, along with the new guys that have come in and added quality to the group.

“With a couple of other additions, I certainly feel next year that the team can be pushing even higher than it has this year.”