Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images

Following a brief holiday hiatus the W-league is back in action with Sydney FC playing host to Perth Glory, the two teams meeting for the first time in the 2013/14 season.

Sydney FC will be eager to pick up 3 points after a toughly fought 1-1 draw with reigning Premiers Brisbane Roar on Queensland soil.

Meanwhile it has been tough times for Perth Glory who will be coming off a two game scoreless losing streak, the most recent a 2-0 loss to a strong Canberra United outfit.

Sydney were fortunate to share the spoils last round as it is never an easy journey into Roar territory.

The Sky Blues had a dominate first half of football getting on the scoreboard in the 4th minute via a Renee Rollason goal.

Jodie Taylor again created many opportunities but (fortunately for Brisbane) the England import could not quite find her usual impeccable finish.

Goalkeeper Casey Dumont was a key component for Sydney able to both dictate to her backline, shot block, sweep, and anticipate the lateral movement of the skilled Roar forwards.

Young gun Chloe Logarzo created some spark for her Sydney side in the second half, but Roar had the best of the final 45 minutes hitting the crossbar and eventually beating Dumont with a 56th minute Hayley Raso goal.

The scoreline of Glory’s 2-0 loss to Canberra United does not bely the battle waged as the Purple Swag worked hard to keep a tenacious Canberra United scoreless for the first half. Despite relentless Canberra attack, Perth only conceded a goal early in the second half and another deep into injury time.

Perth goalkeeper US import Chantel Jones demonstrated a strong command of her 18 yard box bravely going in to challenges as well as blocking a handful of scorching long range shots.

But it was a story of defend, defend, defend for the Glory squad who were without many key players exposing the vulnerabilities of their bench.

Canadian striker Christina Julien paired well with Rosie Sutton in efforts to attack but the Glory midfield were too slow in transition to threaten Canberra’s backline.

Sky Blue rightback Caitlin Foord has returned from injury in good form putting in a solid 90 minutes against a flighty attacking Roar side. Rollason can expect to have room and time to push forward, and with her confidence high she will be waiting for an opportunity to catch Jones off her line.

The injury woes for the Glory are set to continue as they continue to be without Collette McCallum and Canadian defender Sasha Andrews while Danish defender Cecilie Sandvej will serve a one match suspension for her fifth yellow card of the season.

The Glory will be buoyed by the return of key goal-poacher and Matildas Co-Captain Kate Gill to add potency to their strong forward line.  However big performances from Ella Mastrantonio, Marianna Tabain and Elisa D'Ovidio will be required to neutralise the strong Sydney midfield and supply the Glory forwards.

Glory are in a position to make a bold statement and scalp the 2012/13 champions but if they do not establish a structured and ‘on your toes’ defence mentality straight from kick-off, they are at great risk of a heavy loss.

Sydney FC remain undefeated and are fourth on the table with two games up their sleeve while the struggling Perth Glory are with only 2 wins from 6 games. The depleted Purple Swag have an uphill battle at their hands holding back an attack-minded Sydney squad but with a mixed result history between the two, it could be anyone’s game.

It is always an interesting and often a high scoring encounter between Sydney and Perth with their last match-up at Allianz Stadium a goal bonanza finishing in a Perth 5-7 win. So expect lots of goals and action this weekend as the W-league moves towards to the pointy end of the season and teams are vying for every point to secure finals contention.

Head to Head: Played 9, Sydney 6, Perth 3

Sydney FC v Perth Glory

Sunday 5 January 2014

WIN Jubilee (Kogarah), Sydney

Local kick-off: 3pm

** Catch all the action Live* at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday (*live in AEDT states)

Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont (gk), Liz Ralston, Alesha Clifford, Danielle Brogan, Amy Harrison, Caitlin Foord, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Leena Khamis, Trudy Camilleri, Natalie Tobin, Melissa Caceres, Chloe Logarzo Sham Khamis (gk), (two to be omitted)

Ins: Danielle Brogan, (returns from injury), Amy Harrison Liz Ralston, Melissa Caceres, Natalie Tobin (all promoted)

Outs: Ellyse Perry (cricket commitments), Anna Green (Achilles – three weeks), Sam Kerr (suspended – one week)

Perth Glory squad: 1. Chantel JONES (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 15. Jess DILLON, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Amy KNIGHTS, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 21. Christina JULIEN, 22. Emily HENDERSON, Gabrielle DAL BUSCO (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Kate Gill (returns from illness), Gabrielle Dal Busco (injury replacement signing)

Outs: Cecilie Sandvej (suspended – one week), Kathleen Waycott (hip – two weeks)

Unavailable: Aivi Luik (hamstring – indefinite), Kat Jukic (hip – season), Collette McCallum (knee – season), Sasha Andrews (ankle – two weeks)