This Sunday will see Melbourne City and Canberra United both travel to Central Coast Stadium for their first meeting in the round’s televised match.

Both teams were hoped to be fielding their full squads for the eagerly anticipated clash, with Matildas returning and the remaining internationals joining them. Unfortunately however, Canberra United suffered the loss this week of England international Jodie Taylor to a season-ending knee injury, which has persisted since surgery earlier this year.

Canberra United coach Rae Dower, although understandably disappointed, was realistic in press about the injury confirming Taytor has “gone back home and consulted with the surgeons and her medical staff and the advice is she really needs to de-load and get off it for the complete month.”

Dower also made clear the importance of player health, hoping Taylor “gets herself well and, fingers crossed, we can look to bring her back next season.”

Melbourne City has so far lived up to the high expectations their squad list set for a debut season, dominating sides, most recently dismantling Perth Glory at home.

Their kit may be ill-fitting, but the side has gelled well even as a variety of faces have taken the field, finding the net 12 times by 6 goal scorers in the opening 3 weeks. No doubt they’ll be confident searching for their fourth win and maintain their outright leadership on the ladder.

Canberra United will have their first outing with both Matildas and internationals in tow. Lydia Williams and Michelle Heyman both returned to the side for training through the bye week.

Ash Sykes said Canberra are “excited to get out and play again,” relishing the opportunity of “a good test straight on the back of a break.” It’s likely to be a well contested encounter, with Canberra hoping to stop

A number of teammates will line up against each other in the game, with Kendall Fletcher, Kim Little and Jess Fishlock all finding their way to Australia this season via Seattle Reign in the NWSL, along with half a dozen Matildas from the recent tour in China.

Emma Checker will also line up for the first time against a number of her former Victory teammates, poached by City in the offseason.

It’s hard to know where to begin looking for the best matchups this Sunday, with both teams boasting depth in international and local talent.

The midfield battle should prove entertaining, as stars settle into squads. As entertaining as a goal fest could be, one hopes both defences are also on song for what should be a temperate day in Gosford.

Canberra United v Melbourne City

Sunday 8 November 2015

Central Coast Stadium, Gosford

Local kick-off: 2pm

(Hyundai A-League double-header)

 * Watch all the action Live from 2.00pm nationally on Fox Sports (Channel 505), or ABC TV. Or catch-up on ABC iView. 

Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia Williams (gk), 3. Julia De Angelis,  4. Kendall Fletcher,  5. Jenna McCormick , 6. Caitlin Munoz,  7. Ellie Brush,  8. Meg McLaughlin, 11. Michelle Heyman, 12. Emma Kete, 13. Nicole Begg, 14. Ashleigh Sykes, 15. Emma Checker, 16. Tegan Riding, 17. Veronica Perez, 18. Rebecca Kiting, 20. Melissa Maizels (gk)

In: Lydia Williams, Michelle Heyman (both return from international duty)

Out: Grace Maher (omitted), Georgia Boric (replacement goalkeeper) 

Melbourne City squad: 20. Trudy Burke (gk), 3. Alex Chidiac, 4. Jennifer Beattie, 5. Laura Alleway, 6. Aivi Luik, 7. Stephanie Catley, 8. Kim Little, 9. Larissa Crummer, 10. Jess Fishlock, 11. Lisa De Vanna, 13. Rebekah Stott, 15. Amy Jackson, 16. Beattie Goad, 17. Marianna Tabain, 36. Erin Herd (gk) 

Unavailable: Brianna Davey (knee - 1-2 weeks), Monique Iannella (knee – indefinite)