The final match of Round 4 sees Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory resume what is growing into one of the great W-League rivalries.

Sydney FC were delivered unfortunate news mid-week with word coach Alen Stajcic will be departing however the Sky Blues managed to continue their unbeaten run with a solid 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers.

Meanwhile Melbourne Victory bounced back from a shaky start to the season defeating reigning Premiers Canberra United 4-2 in Australia’s capital.

Sydney FC came into the season as one of the less fancied teams but the Sky Blue side currently find themselves sitting on top of the table despite battling out two rough away fixtures.

A strong team approach has helped them find form early in comparison to some rival teams who appear to be still wringing out pre-season jitters.

Renee Rollason and captain Teresa Polias holding the central structure and countering with the younger forwards is proving a successful formula as both are well-versed at playing out under pressure.

Not known for their defensive records Sydney FC are leading the bunch conceding only 1 goal in 3 games. The honours for this impressive start on the shoulders of in-form ‘keeper Casey Dumont as well as the consistent hustle of US import Samantha Johnson and home-grown Servet Uzunlar.

In such a short season, securing 3 points in the opening rounds will prove crucial as the competition ticks towards finals.

After a now traditional slow start, Melbourne Victory have certainly displayed their title credentials in a big way.

Bolstered by the appearance of international signings Lauren Barnes and Elli Reed, Melbourne are finally looking like the Championship winning-side that they are.

Barnes and Reed’s expertise on and off the ball paired with Christine Nairn’s clever and clinical midfield presence will adorn many highlight reels at season’s end.

Combining that international knack with Brianna Davey’s commanding form in goals and we have in Melbourne Victory a waking nightmare for many W-league sides this season.

Key players for Sydney FC this round will be the quick attacking feet of Natalie Tobin, Chloe Logarzo and Amy Harrison. With pace to burn they can apply pressure forcing errors and securing free kicks that are dangerous at the feet of deadball specialist Rollason.

Look out also for Nicola Bolger who has a notable goal scoring record against Melbourne and has yet to get onto the scoreboard this season.

The Sky Blues will be breathing a sigh of relief to see Teigen Allen return from suspension, her heroic sliding tackles will be crucial against an imposing Melbourne outfit.

Expect Victory to grow on last round’s defensive effort as they seek to find a balance of pushing forward but concurrently withstanding opposition counter attack. Melbourne must master this if they intend to keep the Sky Blues out of their nets.

Fundamental for Melbourne will be the continued stand-out performances of Lisa De Vanna and Nairn. The more and more they connect - the more we will experience a deja vu of the De Vanna/Fishlock shenanigans of Season 6.

Victory will also need former Lady Red striker Racheal Quigley to find an improved footing in her combinations with midfield personnel so she has a readiness to attack longballs with full force.

The last time Sydney and Melbourne met it was a blustery wet day in Kogarah and a grand final berth was on the line.

Melbourne ambushed Sydney FC 3-2 leaving local fans weeping into their sky blue scarves.

In a mirror of the men’s game, the Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC W-league teams have developed a staunch rivalry so expect a high scoring and exhilarating affair in this weekend’s Big Blue.

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory

Monday 6 October 2014

Lambert Park, Sydney

Local kick-off: 5pm

** Listen LIVE on FFV Radio from 2.30pm. Head to www.footballfedvic.com.au or search 'FFV Radio' in the TuneIn smartphone app.

Sydney FC squad: 1. Casey Dumont (gk), 2. Teresa Polias, 3. Elizabeth Ralston, 4. Alesha Clifford, 5. Jasmyne Spencer, 6. Servet Uzunlar, 7. Nicola Bolger, 8. Amy Harrison, 9. Ellyse Perry, 10. Renee Rollason, 11. Natalie Tobin, 12. Chloe Logarzo, 13. Trudy Camilleri, 15. Teigen Allen, 16. Samantha Johnson, 18. Heidi Makrillos, 20. Alyssa Harris (gk)

Ins: Teigen Allen (returns from suspension), Heidi Makrillos (promoted)

Unavailable:  Kyah Simon (knee – three weeks), Olivia Price (quad – 1 week)

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY (GK), 2. Hannah BREWER, 5. Lauren BARNES, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 8. Amy JACKSON, 9. Racheal QUIGLEY, 10. Christine NAIRN, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 14. Tiffany ELIADIS, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beattie GOAD, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Elli REED, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (GK)

Ins: Tiffany Eliadis (promoted)