Signing a striker remains a priority for Melbourne City, after they drew a blank against A-League leaders Perth Glory.
Warren Joyce's team stay nine points behind Perth, and there is no sign of a return for former Golden Boot winner Bruno Fornaroli.
Obviously during this period you're crying out for a forward.
Warren Joyce
City haven't included the Uruguayan since November, and in his absence goals have been an issue.
They are the lowest-scoring team in the top six, with just 17 from 14 matches. Joyce says it's clear they need strengthening up front.
"There's a limited budget available to try to bring a player in," he added. "Obviously during this period you're crying out for a forward.
"The lads who have played there have done tremendously well, they have put in a shift, and the team has done tremendously well to work through it.
"They need a little bit of help, they deserve a bit of help, but you're trying to build for two things. You're trying obviously to win things but then you're trying to look longer term as well as the short term."
City didn't produce a shot on target in the 0-0 draw with the Glory at AAMI Park, and rarely threatened after Florin Berenguer fluffed a first-half opportunity.
But Joyce insisted the aim from the outset had been to win, and felt City had been the dominant team in the first half.
The result was at least a shot in the arm after they had become the first team this season to lose to Central Coast Mariners, going down 2-1 in Gosford three days earlier.
City, who named full-back Ritchie De Laet and winger Lachlan Wales in a two-man attack, stay fourth in the table.
Melbourne City are 6/1 to win the Grand Final.
City are 3/4 to win their next game against Western Sydney, who are 16/5 with the draw 3/1.
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Signing a striker remains a priority for Melbourne City, after they drew a blank against A-League leaders Perth Glory.
Warren Joyce's team stay nine points behind Perth, and there is no sign of a return for former Golden Boot winner Bruno Fornaroli.
Obviously during this period you're crying out for a forward.
Warren Joyce
City haven't included the Uruguayan since November, and in his absence goals have been an issue.
They are the lowest-scoring team in the top six, with just 17 from 14 matches. Joyce says it's clear they need strengthening up front.
"There's a limited budget available to try to bring a player in," he added. "Obviously during this period you're crying out for a forward.
"The lads who have played there have done tremendously well, they have put in a shift, and the team has done tremendously well to work through it.
"They need a little bit of help, they deserve a bit of help, but you're trying to build for two things. You're trying obviously to win things but then you're trying to look longer term as well as the short term."
City didn't produce a shot on target in the 0-0 draw with the Glory at AAMI Park, and rarely threatened after Florin Berenguer fluffed a first-half opportunity.
But Joyce insisted the aim from the outset had been to win, and felt City had been the dominant team in the first half.
The result was at least a shot in the arm after they had become the first team this season to lose to Central Coast Mariners, going down 2-1 in Gosford three days earlier.
City, who named full-back Ritchie De Laet and winger Lachlan Wales in a two-man attack, stay fourth in the table.
Melbourne City are 6/1 to win the Grand Final.
City are 3/4 to win their next game against Western Sydney, who are 16/5 with the draw 3/1.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com