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With the semi finalists settled, the battle for positioning commences with Canberra United hosting Sydney FC at McKellar Park.Sydney FC scraped a 95th minute 2-1 win over Adelaide on the weekend, earning all 3 points away from home.

Meanwhile Canberra turned around a lacklustre first half against Perth and exposed a fading defensive line with a 5-1 triumph that sealed a finals berth for the team in green.

Canberra have been hot and cold this season and last weekend’s match against Perth was a perfect example.

A sentiment that Canberra midfielder Lori Lindsey expressed after the match.

“This game was a little bit up and down for us. Last week we were a little bit more in synch."

"We had some periods of really good football today and times when we were out of synch. That will happen. We have to weather the storms and get some goals."

"We’re all starting to gel again and even find a different stride than we had at the beginning of the season.”

Michelle Heyman struggled to read the balls that were played into her and Lindsey was looking for flankers who were not in predictable positions to run the angles off of her.

The experienced Ellie Brush and Caitlin Munoz helped settle the game with two first half goals and Canberra took control of the match in the second half to run out comfortable winners.

Sydney FC on the other hand have only one temperature and that is sizzling.

All over the park are seasoned professionals whose talents belie their age, including Caitlin Foord (19), Sam Kerr and Nicola Bolger (both 20).

Only Adelaide have restricted their ability to score at will this season, and against some teams they have strung four or five passes together, in the 18 yard box people(!), before scoring.

Canberra like a big game atmosphere, and they love playing under lights. Who doesn’t? Canberra also like knowing they are a chance at hosting a home semi-final, even if others think it is beyond their grasp.

If Canberra coach Migchelsen is fazed by this week’s match up against Sydney FC, the excitement machine of the W League, she is not showing it.

“I don’t look to where our opponent is on the table. It is game after game."

"We should win from every opponent, not look at where they are standing, just try to win the game.”

Ashleigh Sykes returns for this match after enjoying a rest on the bench last weekend and Lydia Williams is back for Canberra after bridesmaid duty.

They will be welcome additions in a team that struggled for cohesion at times, and we will know early whether Canberra have brought their passing boots.

Sydney are yet to falter and given their undefeated 9 game stretch, midfielder Teresa Polias will look to shine against her US opponents to press even harder for selection in the upcoming Matildas’ campaign.

Sky Blue eyes are of course on a back-to-back Championship, and this may be Sydney FC’s most difficult test against Canberra’s robust, stable and well organised backline.

The last time these teams met was back in December 2012.  Sydney’s Emma Kete scored a last gasp match winner in the 94th minute, taking Sydney FC to the top of the table with the 4-3 win and leaving Canberra United, fresh from the World Club Championships, struggling to stay in touch with the top four.

There’s no doubt this match will be worth the wait.

Head to Head: Played 7, Canberra 1, Sydney 4, Draw 2

28 January 2014

Canberra United v Sydney FC

Wednesday 29 January 2014

McKellar Park, Canberra

Local kick-off: 7pm

Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), Catherine BROWN, Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, Kendall FLETCHER, Caitlin MUNOZ, Ellie BRUSH (c), Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Jennifer BISSET, Trudi BOURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS (one to be omitted)

Ins: Lydia Williams (returns from personal commitments), Sally Rojahn (promoted)

Outs: Grace Field (omitted)

Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – one week)

Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont (gk), Alesha Clifford, Danielle Brogan (c), Amy Harrison, Liz Ralston, Caitlin Foord, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Leena Khamis, Trudy Camilleri, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Sham Khamis (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Alesha Clifford (promoted)

Unavailable: Ellyse Perry (cricket commitments), Anna Green (Achilles – three weeks), Natalie Tobin (illness – three weeks)