All the talk in Season 8 was about the undefeated talent-laced Melbourne City however close observers will have noticed a silent assassin stalking the league.

That stealth ninja is Canberra United.

Canberra ended the season a solid, unchallenged 2nd place on the table with only 2 losses early in the season (1st round 2-1 to Roar and 4th round 4-2 to City).

Despite a slow start, the defending champions won 8 of 12 games with a remarkable goal difference of +18 (26 for, 8 against). No other team finished the season with a positive goal difference except Melbourne City.

United are a package deal.

They have a compliment of quick aggressive forwards in Ashleigh Sykes, Michelle Heyman and Emma Kete. Smart, physical midfielders as the rejuvenated Caitlin Munoz and Mexican international Veronica Perez. Tough tackling, well positioned and consistent defenders in Ellie Brush, Kendall Fletcher and Nicole Begg.

Head Coach Rae Dower has assembled a balanced squad who have demonstrated that they are strong performers.

Canberra will host Sydney FC in a semi final in what could not be a better place. United's home ground McKellar Park is a very challenging away game fixture for every team in the w-league. Canberra United have not conceded a goal at McKellar Park in 6 games.

Photo: Joseph Mayers Photography Photo: Joseph Mayers Photography

So with a top notch team plus home ground advantage, it sounds like a sure thing for Canberra United. However much of the result will depend on what Sydney FC bring on the day.

Sydney FC have been up and down on a rollercoaster of contradictory displays shifting between pure football pizazz and utter mediocrity.

Will Canberra face the Sydney side who were smashed 3-0 by Roar or the side who fought City to the death scoring 1 of the 4 goals they conceded all season?

Sydney FC generally speaking have a dismal record against United and the 'Green Machine' have developed somewhat of a 'bogey team' reputation.

The Sky Blues were schooled by United this season in a 3-0 loss in round 2 but their more recent match-up at Lambert Park was a closer 1-0 loss in the 6th round.

Anything is possible in the w-league.

Both sides have evidenced cool heads in big games and know how to 'bring it' but ultimately United go into the semi with the edge.

In front of their boisterous home fans, and after such a stellar season, expect Canberra United to shine bright.

Kryptonite 

Canberra United are famously difficult to exploit.

Unlike many other w-league teams who may lack finals football minutes Canberra are notoriously strong in finals and have happily knocked over favourites on their way to the trophy.

A mixed crew of seniors and youngsters works well but it may be bench depth that could be problematic. Canberra have lost star defender Emma Checker to an ACL injury and Catherine Brown, Julia De Angelis, Grace Maher and Nickolette Flannery have had limited on field time this season.

United also only managed a toughly fought out 1-1 draw with Adelaide United in the final round of the season.

If Sydney FC remain calm they could surprise Canberra with an early goal and put the home side on the back foot, which is not a natural position for them. Sydney FC will also be a tough opponent if the game finishes in a penalty shoot-out.

The Sky Blues, like Canberra United, have a world class goalkeeper in US import Michelle Betos which will make it anyone's game if the score is locked after 120 minutes.

Key Players 

Lydia Williams (Defence)

s8-semi-cbr-williams-2 Photo: Ann Odong

Williams holds the #1 gloves for Australia's Matildas and there are few who come close to her abilities to both shot block and sweep. Williams is a very athletic goalkeeper who will tip out shots on goal that look certain to be in. Canberra United have the ultimate gatekeeper in Williams and it is often her expertise that is the difference between winning and losing.

Caitlin Munoz (midfielder)

Photo: Ann Odong Photo: Ann Odong

Munoz is a senior seasoned w-league professional who eats finals pressure for breakfast. Munoz' extensive experience makes her a force to be reckoned with. An outstanding work rate is the status quo for Munoz and her capacity to both hold the midfield and shoot goals makes her one of Canberra's greatest weapons.

Ashleigh Sykes (forward)

Photo: Eric Berry Photography Photo: Eric Berry Photography

Sykes was a thorn in Sydney FC's side when the two have met this season. Her explosive speed was tearing shreds off the Sydney FC wingers who could not match her off the mark. Sykes is a multidimensional footballer, able to assist and score goals in equal measure, she will be tough to stop.

Match Details

Canberra United v Sydney FC

Sunday 24 January 2016

McKellar Park, Canberra

Local kick-off: 2pm

Head to Head: 12 played | 6 wins (CBR) | 4 wins (SYD) | 2 Draws

Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia Williams (gk), 2. Catherine Brown, 3. Julia De Angelis, 4. Kendall Fletcher, 5. Jenna McCormick, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 7. Ellie Brush, 10. Grace Maher, 11. Michelle Heyman, 12. Emma Kete, 13. Nicole Begg (c), 14. Ashleigh Sykes, 16. Tegan Riding, 17. Veronica Perez, 18. Rebecca Kiting, 19. Nickoletta Flannery, 20. Melissa Maizels (gk)

Ins: Catherine Brown (promoted), Emma Kete (returns from New Zealand international duty)

Unavailable: Emma Checker (knee – season)

Sydney FC squad: 1. Michelle Betos (gk), 2. Elizabeth Ralston, 3. Ellyse Perry, 4. Sunny Franco, 5. Jasmyne Spencer, 6. Teresa Polias (c), 7. Nicola Bolger, 9. Princess Ibini, 10. Renee Rollason, 11. Natalie Tobin, 12. Olivia Price, 14. Alanna Kennedy, 15. Teigen Allen, 17. Kyah Simon, 18. Sham Khamis (gk), 19. Leena Khamis

Ins: Ellyse Perry (return from cricket commitments)

Unavailable: Amy Harrison (knee - indefinite)