Following their 0-0 draw against Portugal, the Matildas will be wanting to rebuild themselves as a dominant opponent and ideally nab a spot in the Final.

16th in FIFA ranking, China are currently sitting at the bottom of Group A.

They will be looking to finish the group stage on a high, following losses against both Portugal and Norway.

Currently, Australia are without Hayley Raso, who has now returned home to Australia, and Steph Catley who both came into the tournament under injury clouds.

Tameka Butt and Emily Condon were both injured in previous Algarve Cup matches but not much is known about their subsequent injuries.

The last time these teams faced off was in November 2017, with Australia hosting two friendlies, one in Melbourne and one in Geelong.

Australia won both matches, 3-0 and 5-1 respectively.

At last year’s Algarve Cup, China stole the early lead. However, Australia claimed a 2-1 win in the second half, courtesy of Emily Gielnik and Ellie Carpenter.

Prior to this China and Australia drew 1-1 for three matches in a row.

China finished the 2017 Algarve Cup in 10th place.

KEY PLAYER AUSTRALIA: ELISE KELLOND-KNIGHT

A scrappy match against Portugal was studded with some less than convincing calls from the referee. Eventually, the Matildas usual possessive play gave way to rushed decision making and ineffective passes.

A calm and collected midfield will be needed to remedy this from Monday night.

Kellond-Knight may be the solution. She is a rock in defensive midfield, with her positional work both on and off the ball working in Australia’s favour.

Her experience and patience as a player will be important in settling the ball down in the centre of the park for fellow midfielders to push forward.

She will also be crucial in disrupting any channels China find on the attack.

KEY PLAYER CHINA: WANG SHUANG

The striker is no secret, maintaining a dominant position on her national side for some years now.

She has been making an impact on China’s attacking efforts this Algarve Cup.

Shuang takes both shots and set-pieces galore and will be looking to test the likes of Lydia Williams on Tuesday.

She combines a sharp touch with an eye for goal (not unlike Caitlin Foord) and is prolific in producing chances for fellow attackers.

She spent two successful seasons at premiers Dalian Quanjian in the Chinese Super League, scoring 9 goals over 19 games, and has now signed with the newly promoted Wuhan Jianghan University Women.

WHERE IT WILL BE WON

A slow start from the Matildas has shown them make mistakes and give away goals early.

China shouldn’t be underestimated and complacency will have no place in the game if they wish to succeed.

As previously mentioned, a strong midfield that holds and distributes well will help dictate the pace of the game.

If Stajcic’s starting XI combines both returning and younger talent, experience will be key across all areas of the pitch.

China will most likely be tested by the Australian attack.

Whilst young keeper Lu Feifei has been in reasonable form, her defence will need to work smart in order to not be outpaced.

Clearing the ball early and efficiently and stopping the long shot will help lock out Australia’s forward line.

MATCH DETAILS

Australia vs China

Date: Monday, 6 March 2018.

Venue: Albufeira Municipal Stadium, Albufeira, Portugal.

Kick off: 7pm local time (6am AEDT Tuesday 6 March)

Broadcast: Live on FOX SPORTS 501.