Canberra United return home to McKellar Park this week to face the embattled but tenacious Adelaide United.

Last week’s away trip to Perth was not a generous one for Canberra, and despite having the best of play, in the first half at least, it was Perth who took the three points, courtesy of three goals and a clean sheet, denying Canberra’s big name forward line. Adelaide also suffered a big loss, away to Melbourne Victory, and are yet to claim a point in Season 7 of the WLeague.

Despite falling to the high flying Glory for their second loss of the season, Canberra continues to build momentum and the go forward strike force of Stephanie Ochs, Ashley Sykes and Michelle Heyman are causing all sorts of problems for defences, supported by their speedy defensive flankers Nicole Begg and Sally Rojahn.

With central midfielder Caitlin Munoz in dynamic form, Lori Lindsey looking more silky on her healing heels each week, and speedy debutant Julia de Angelis turning heads, Adelaide United will have their hands full containing the attack.

Local fans are keen to see de Angelis in full flight again this week after her player of the match performance at home a fortnight ago against Brisbane Roar when she tamed the diminutive Katrina Gorry.

De Angelis’ ACT Academy of Sport team mate Grace Maher is available for the squad for the first time having returned last week from the u/17 Asian Football Confederation U/16 Championships in Malaysia and will be keen for a taste of WLeague action.

An appearance for Maher would make her Canberra United’s youngest ever player. Former Lady Red Tegan Riding will also be keen to make a contribution against her former teammates.

Adelaide United also have their fair share of young guns with Emily Condon, Izzy Hodgson, Dylan Holmes, Lauren Steer, Monique Ianella and Alex Chidiac all in Canberra this week at the Young Matildas’ selection camp.

A peek at the Lady Reds’ facebook page gives away their recon mission, checking out a Canberra training session, all in good spirits.

Captain Kristy Moore, Lisa Marie Woods and goal keeper Melissa Barbieri anchor the young side that has struggled to maintain the giant-killing reputation of last season.

They came out of the blocks early against Melbourne in a bid to catch them off guard, but Moore conceded they burnt some energy early with no reward.

Adelaide’s spirit and backline will be bolstered this weekend with the addition of former Sydney FC captain Danielle Brogan who surprised the league by signing midseason with the Lady Reds.

Brogan returned last week from the high quality English Premier League, playing for the first time in the strong English Women’s Super League with Notts County Lady Reds.

Her potential partnership with Jenna McCormick could prove beneficial with Brogan's experience at W-League level and internationally adding an extra layer to the Reds defence.

While Canberra holds the upper hand in contests between these sides, the last few outings have gone to the wire.

Just four weeks ago, Canberra came home with three points from a 1-0 win in Adelaide, while last year the Lady Reds managed a 2-0 victory in their first and only win against Canberra to date.

The corresponding match at McKellar last season saw Canberra convincing winners with goals to Heyman, Ochs and Ash Sykes.

This match will hold tension for both teams, with Adelaide clawing for their first points of the season, and Canberra United wanting to solidify a place in the top four to round out the first half of the league.

Canberra United v Adelaide United

Sunday 19 October 2014

McKellar Park, Canberra

Local kick-off: 3pm

Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 17. Holly HOUSTON, 18. Rebecca KITING, 20. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS

Ins: Grace Maher (returns from Australia U-17 duty)

Unavailable: Kendall FLETCHER (overseas), Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – 5-7 weeks), Grace GILL (ankle – 5-7 weeks)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa Barbieri (gk), 2. Monique Iannella, 3. Danielle Brogan, 4. 6. Dylan Holmes, 7. Katrine Pedersen, 8. Emily Condon, 9. Lisa-Marie Woods, 10. Alexandra Chidiac, 11. Isabel Hodgson, 12.Daila-Tais Borg, 15. Jenna McCormick, 16. Katie Holtham, 17. Tiarn Powell, 20. Sarah Willacy (gk), 23. Kristy Moore (C)

Ins: Danielle Brogan (new signing), Monique Iannella, Dylan Holmes (both promoted)

Outs: Lauren Steer, Jessie Wharepouri, Rachel Alonso (all omitted)