The Rams’ 3-0 loss to Birkenhead United on Sunday dropped them to seventh on the table, seven points behind second-place Wellington Olympic, who have a game in hand.
A loss to Western Springs next week would officially rule them out of contention for a top-two finish – a sharp decline for a side that won its opening two games but has gone winless in the five games since.
United would need to win their remaining matches and hope for a string of favourable results elsewhere to qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, Coastal Spirit will take on Wellington Phoenix Reserves as they aim to climb off the bottom of the table after a 3-1 loss to Miramar Rangers on Sunday.
Coastal and the Phoenix occupy the bottom two spots on four points each, but the Phoenix have the edge on goal difference.
The Canterbury United Pride will look to snap a four-game losing run away at fellow strugglers Petone on Saturday.
The Pride sit in ninth after a 5-0 defeat to West Coast Rangers at the weekend, while Petone are eighth.
