As well as looking to prove to the competition they are back to their best, the Blues will also be out for revenge against the Border Raiders, who defeated them 3-0 early in the campaign.
United coach Roven Shaholli has not forgotten about his side’s effort against the Murray River’s finest and said his side knew exactly what to do to avenge the defeat.
‘‘Echuca is a very dangerous side and last time we just didn’t rock up to play them in the first half,’’ he said.
‘‘That was one game that was really disappointing. The Tatura game was another one. We’ll just try and concentrate and just keep working on our intensity and game plan.
‘‘I think we’ll be alright, there’s a few sore bodies but that’s normal. But we know exactly how Echuca plays, it’s just a matter of stopping them. They’re very dangerous in attack and midfield.’’
But the Border Raiders’ form is beyond questioning; they have drawn with the league’s top two sides, Strathdale and Eaglehawk, in the past fortnight, before that having won six consecutive games.
United, on the other hand, has struggled to back up last season’s League Cup with much consistency, although it did comfortably beat Shepparton South 3-0 last weekend in the best result of the season.
‘‘We haven’t had the same side for long periods of the season, especially at the start with a few injuries and guys from last season not being there,’’ Shaholli said.
‘‘It’s really hard, but you’ve just got to play with what you’ve got on the park.
‘‘A few of our games have been disappointing, especially comparing this year to last year where we were more consistent and had the same side right from preseason.
‘‘If you look at the Bendigo sides, even a few of the bottom sides will one week draw with a side up the top, but then the next match they’ll miss a couple of players and get played off the park.’’
United is fifth on the table, but eight points back from top spot with five games to play, and has made no secret of the fact its intentions was to focus on making a finals run.
Other games this weekend include Shepparton hosting Strathdale at Vibert Reserve.
In what will be a difficult game for the eighth-ranked Reds, they will try and show what improvement they have made this season having been pummeled 13-0 by Strathdale earlier in the campaign.
Tatura travels to Bendigo to take on Colts United, aiming to keep its title tilt alive, expected to pick up victory.
The Ibises are just two points off top spot, but will have to win this weekend without Liam Nash, who is better known as the Kerikeri Cristiano, who is overseas.
