SECTIONS of AAMI Park’s diseased pitch will be replaced in the coming week as the stadium’s maligned surface threatens to impact Melbourne City’s push for a maiden A-League title.

City plays its home games exclusively at AAMI Park.

But given the impact rugby union and rugby league games are having on the pitch, Etihad Stadium may become Football Federation Australia’s ground of choice for any final played in Melbourne next month if improvements aren’t made soon.

The sight of players slipping and the ball bobbling was all too common during City’s 3-0 win over Wellington on Monday night, a result that took it to the top of the table with two rounds to play.

AAMI Park general manager Shane Mates said on Tuesday the clash of A-League, NRL and Super Rugby seasons that occurs at this time of year was taking its toll.

“High humidity has also created some challenges for us which we’re addressing, and we plan to replace areas of high wear — particularly the south end — in preparation for the last round of the current A-League season,” Mates said.

“The quality of our pitch is a huge source of pride, and we will continue to take all necessary actions to ensure AAMI Park delivers a high quality playing surface.”

The finals start on April 15 and FFA determines where games are played.

City is on track to host a playoff for the first time in its six-year history and its preference is to play at AAMI Park, a ground at which it is undefeated in 10 matches.

The rectangular stadium’s 30,000 capacity is far better suited to the club than Docklands’ 56,000-seat venue.

But while FFA has previously confirmed Etihad will host the grand final if it is played in Melbourne, AAMI’s chances of hosting a City elimination or semi-final could be impacted by rugby games being played there on the Friday night of both of those weekends.

A grass disease is affecting sections of the turf, but it is Melbourne Rebels games that have had the biggest impact on the surface for soccer games.

Marking of different playing lines and sponsorship signage are also impacting on the grass’ ability to recover from game to game.

Etihad Stadium is available for A-League finals on Friday, April 15 and Friday, April 22.

When AAMI was last year voted by players as the A-League’s best ground for the third time in four seasons, its weekly pitch rating averaged 4.3 out of five.

Prior to the two games played there on the weekend that figure this season had dipped to 3.8.

Both Melbourne teams are away this weekend.

But City plays Adelaide in a crucial Round 27 showdown the following Friday (April 8), while Melbourne Victory takes on fellow finalist Brisbane Roar the following night.