Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images

Adelaide United return home to host Canberra United in Round 7 of the W-League.

Adelaide United comes off another loss in the dying minutes of the game against top of the table Melbourne Victory.  A beautiful header from Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna in the 83rd minute consigned the Reds to a 1 - 0 defeat .

Despite the loss of three points, the visitors didn't lie down easily.  Strong on the counter, the Reds forced a few shots on goal that Brianna Davey did well to stop.  Down the opposite end, Melissa Barbieri stood out once again for Adelaide with some brilliant saves with Adelaide’s back line once again proving they are up to the task of taking it up to the top teams.

Canberra United endured the long flight across the country to take on Perth Glory.  The capital side were up to the task and came away with all three points with their two goals being scored in the second half of the game.

In windy conditions Perth coming out firing with Christina Julien and Rosie Sutton causing issues for the United defence. However they never made it count and after 20 minutes the visitors gained their footing and took the game into their control.

Ashleigh Sykes scored the first goal in the 53rd minute when the ball rebounded back out to her feet after Ellie Brush tried to head it into the back of the net. The second came from the sensational Stephanie Ochs in the added time at the end of the match.

Adelaide continued to train throughout the Christmas break with only a five day break after their Melbourne match and should be well prepared for Canberra United.

Lisa Marie Woods will once again be needed to lead the Lady Reds midfielders into controlling the middle of the park.

The key to this game will once again be the resistance provided by the Reds against a strong Canberra attack.  Alex Gummer, Jenna McCormick, Snez Veljanovska and Jessie Wharepouri will need to show how strong a back line they are in front of the always outstanding Barbieri in goals.

Since losing to the Brisbane Roar at home, Canberra United have not dropped any points so they would be hoping to continue this run towards the finals.

The underrated Kendall Fletcher and vision of Lori Lindsey continue to be the catalyst for this team while Stephanie Ochs has grown in stature in the last couple of weeks.

However, led by stalwarts Ellie Brush, Lydia Williams and Nicole Sykes, Canberra's biggest strength is a defence that has conceded just one goal in Season 6.  Finding a way through will be a tough task for the home side.

Surprisingly, this will be only the second time that Canberra United will travel to Adelaide. The only other time they were in “the city of Churches” was back in the opening game of the Season Four where they came away with  a 4-1 win.

Interestingly  Adelaide United midfielder Racheal Quigley is the only Reds player  to have scored against Canberra in all six seasons, once in Season Four and then again last year in their 3 – 1 loss.  Adelaide will be hoping she can do it again on Sunday at Burton Park.  Kick off at 3pm local time.

Head to Head: Played 6, Adelaide 0, Canberra 5, Draw 0

Adelaide United v Canberra United

Sunday 5 January 2014

Burton Park, Adelaide

Local kick-off: 3pm (3.30pm AEDT)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 3. Alexandra GUMMER, 5. Jessie WHAREPOURI, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 7. Rachael QUIGLEY, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 10. Monique IANNELLA, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 14. Jayah BROWN, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 19. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (C)

Ins: Monique Iannella, Jessica Waterhouse (both promoted)

Outs: Tegan Riding (omitted)

Unavailable: 2. Bianca GRAY (knee - season)

 Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS, Catherine BROWN, Kendall FLETCHER, Ellie BRUSH, Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Caitlin MUNOZ, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Holly HOUSTON, Jennifer BISSET, Trudy BURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS (one to be omitted)

Ins: Caitlin Munoz (promoted)

Outs: None

Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – indefinite)