Canberra out to continue their good form | TWG Canberra out to continue their good form | TWG

Canberra United and Brisbane Roar had contrasting starts to their season. Canberra recorded a thumping 4 - 1 win away in Perth while Brisbane were on the end of their biggest home defeat with a 4 - 2 loss at the hands of Sydney.

For some reason, be it nerves or anticipation, Canberra United started slowly in their encounter with Perth Glory. Hesitant and cautious, the capital side conceded possession to the home side and as a result were put under pressure early.

A resolute defence lead by Caitlin Cooper and Ellie Brush plus important saves from Lydia Williams kept them in the game. Despite the start, Canberra were able to turn it around late in the first half and in the second half Sally Shipard, Emily Van Egmond, Caitlin Munoz and Michelle Heyman were all lethal.

This weekend they will be looking for more of the same and while they already have a very attacking line-up, it appears coach Ray Junna is looking to add to the firepower. Speedy striker Ashleigh Sykes has been added to an already quick and imposing forward half.

Last week's defeat wouldn't have been the start that the Roar would have dreamed off. Outplayed and outpaced, the Roar at times looked rattled and stretched against a

Sydney attack that poured on the pressure. In the end, the Roar didn't have the power to go with Sydney, something which is not often said about the season one champions.

But there were plenty of positives to build on including Casey Dumont who was critical in goals producing a couple of world class stops. Clare Polkinghorne was effective in her captain's role as she looked to steady the defence while instigating attacks. The forward line was active with Lana Harch, Emily Gielnik and Alicia Foote all trying hard without much success.

Midfielder Tameka Butt sustained a knock last week but appears to fine for this encounter. Brisbane Roar coach Jeff Hopkins has kept faith with his squad and heads to into the encounter with no changes.

Canberra United and Brisbane Roar have built up a good rivalry in the W-League with Brisbane's 3 wins cancelling Canberra's 1 win and a draw.

Referee: Peta McCallum

Assistant referees: Allyson Flynn and Melinda Bell

Fourth official: Luke Withell

Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Lyndsay GLOHE, 4. Michelle HEYMAN, 5. KahliaHOGG, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Tseng SHU-O, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Emily Van EGMOND, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA (gk) *one to be omitted*

In: 14. Ashleigh Sykes

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Nicole Sykes (injured), Leah Blayney (overseas – one week)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Casey Dumont (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 3. Karla REUTER, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE (C), 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Kim CARROLL, 7. Joanne BURGESS, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Alisha FOOTE, 10. Lana HARCH, 11. Aivi LUIK, 12. Rebekah STOTT, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Amy CHAPMAN, 15. Erika ELZE, 17. Emily GIELNIK, 20 Kate STEWART (gk)