In a top of the table clash at Ashfield Sports Club, Perth Glory host Sydney FC in Round 6 of the W-League.

Perth Glory, who are yet to drop a point in Season 7, sit two points clear of second placed Sydney FC going into this highly anticipated tie.

In what has already been Perth’s best ever start to a W-League season, the home side will be hoping to make it six out of six.

Last time out Glory faced Canberra United who made the long trip west. Perth ran out 3-0 winners in a game which could have been very different. Mackenzie Arnold’s superb display ensured that the good times at Glory kept rolling.

In spite of previous solid defensive displays, Glory had conceded one goal in each of their previous W-League encounters, including in the 10-1 demolishing of the Western Sydney Wanderers. However, Arnold’s emphatic performance against Canberra secured the Glory’s first clean sheet this season in what was their toughest test to date.

Michelle Heyman and Ashleigh Sykes’s caused the Glory defence problems in the first half. Their pace and movement troubled the back four, in what was a testing 45 minutes for the home side. In spite of a below par first half display, Glory got themselves to the break with a one goal advantage.

The real strength of this Perth side is their ability to score goals - lots of goal - and this was the difference between the two sides.

Glory have strong attack minded players all over the pitch with the likes of Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Collette McCallum and Marianna Tabain showcasing how the old and new players have combined well to secure early season success.

The in form team are currently averaging four goals, per game, with Kate Gill their top goal scorer. Gill has undoubtedly benefited from the service and support of Kerr and Foord and Co and will be hoping to add to her impressive tally against a defensively sound Sydney FC side.

The Matildas striker has been in exceptional touch and will be looking to increase her ten goal tally, to make this her most prolific season on record. Sydney will have to contain her to have any chance of stopping the Glory goals from flowing.

Kerr and Foord, who have both bagged themselves goals this season, will be hoping to menace their former club, as they go up against their ex-teammates for the first time. The Sydney players and coaching staff will know all too well the talent these two possess and will be hoping that their former stars don’t come back to haunt them.

Perth Coach, Jamie Harnwell looks ahead to the game. “The way that we are playing, the shape that we are playing in and the form that our players are in we’ll be focusing mostly on ourselves.”

“We know that we can score goals and that will be our main focus as usual against Sydney.”

Last time out, Sydney FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Newcastle Jets to maintain their undefeated start to the Westfield W-League season. It was a tight game, with a Jasmyne Spencer’s tap in, the difference on the day at Magic Park.

Much like the Perth and Canberra game, Sydney owe a lot to their goalkeeper.

Casey Dumont put on a first class performance to ensure Sydney kept a clean sheet and preserved their undefeated record. The keeper will have to be in fine form against a free scoring Glory, who are the league’s highest scorers.

Nicola Bolger was the Sky Blues stand out performer, unlocking the Jets defence with some wonderful vision and pin point passes. While Amy Harrison continues to grow in her role further up the pitch.

Their link up play with Spencer may cause the Glory defence some concern after an indifferent first half performance against Canberra United.

Like Gill, Spencer has been in prolific form for her side scoring five goals in five games. With her blistering pace and canny game sense, the American will be a continuous threat and one that the Glory defence will hope to contain throughout the game.

Sydney FC's defence will be their best form of attack this match with the Sky Blues only conceding a miserly two goals in five matches. This has been due the relative stability of the back four and the cover provided by captain Teresa Polias and Servet Uzunlar.

While Renee Rollason is unavailable for this match, former Young Matilda and championship defender Liz Ralston is a more than capable replacement.

The Jets played well against the second place side and will feel unlucky not to have taken at least a point from the game. The home side dominated possession and had the majority of chances in the second half, which saw some outstanding saves by Dumont.

This will give Glory confidence, as they know that they have the players to make possession count. Sydney will be aware that they will need to put on a higher quality performance in order to take points home from Perth.

It’s a new era for Sydney FC, with new head coach Daniel Barrett, facing his toughest test yet, against the ladder leaders.

This game is sure to be an interesting, yet entertaining affair, as the W-League's best attack goes up against the league’s best defence. The game kicks off at 3pm and will determine who is top of the ladder come the final whistle.

Perth Glory v Sydney FC

Saturday 18 October 2014

Ashfield Sports Club, Perth

Local kick-off: 3pm (6pm AEDT)

Perth Glory squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 2. Sarah Carroll, 3. Carys Hawkins, 4. Bronwyn Studman, 5. Shannon May, 6. Alanna Kennedy, 7. Gabrielle Marzano, 8. Shawn Billam, 9. Caitlin Foord, 12. Kate Gill, 13. Elisa D’Ovidio, 14. Collette McCallum (C), 15. Shelina Zadorsky, 17. Marianna Tabain, 18. Gabrielle Dal Busco (gk), 20. Sam Kerr

Ins: Gabrielle Marzano (promoted)

Sydney FC squad: 1. Casey Dumont (gk), 2. Teresa Polias, 3. Liz Ralston, 4. Alesha Clifford, 5. Jasmyne Spencer, 6. Servet Uzunlar, 7. Nicola Bolger, 8. Amy Harrison, 9. Ellyse Perry, 12. Chloe Logarzo, 13. Trudy Camilleri, 14. Olivia Price, 15. Teigen Allen, 16. Samantha Johnson, 20. Alyssa Harris (gk)

Ins: Ellyse Perry, Liz Ralston (both promoted)

Outs: Natalie Tobin, Renee Rollason (both unavailable)

Unavailable:  Kyah Simon (knee – one week)