Heyman looking to continue her hot form | TWG Heyman looking to continue her hot form | TWG

A top-of-the-table meeting between the teams means that this clash – always a highlight on the fixture list – will take on added importance. Traditionally it is Sydney who would have the upper hand, but this time United are in pole position as the only team with a perfect record after two matches.

A win here would provide Canberra, who have never beaten Sydney in four attempts, with a massive jump on their rivals. It would also be a measure of revenge for a comprehensive semi-final defeat against the Sky Blues the season before last.

For the first time in their short history, Canberra have won both opening matches to a Westfield W-League season with Jitka Klimkova’s side hitting the ground running after a solid pre-season. The Czech coach has quality in all positions across the park, nowhere more so than attack. The prolific Michelle Heyman has bagged five already, the always enterprising Caitlin Munoz has scored twice, while new American signing Taryn Hemmings is already shaping as one of the league’s best new recruits.

Unusually Sydney coach Alen Stajcic has only limited attacking options to choose from for this key match-up. American superstar Megan Rapinoe has finished her all-too-brief cameo in Australia, goal-sneak Leena Khamis has another fortnight of club commitments in Denmark, while player of the year Kyah Simon is still many weeks away from an injury return.

On the positive side, Stajcic will be aiming to get more minutes from Heather Garriock and Caitlin Foord, who both came off the bench last weekend. Youngster Foord looked particularly potent in her half-hour on the park, setting up the winner for Rapinoe.

Sydney FC v Canberra United|

Saturday 5 November 2011

Leichhardt Oval, Sydney

Local kick-off: 3pm

Sydney FC Squad: 1. Allison LIPSHER (gk), 15. Thea SLATYER, 3. Danielle BROGAN (C), 5. Estelle JOHNSON, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 4. Renee ROLLASON, Kylie LEDBROOK, Teresa POLIAS, 9. Sarah WALSH, 12. Teigen ALLEN, 8. Caitlin FOORD, 13. Brittany WHITTFIELD, 14. Rachael SOUTAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK, 20. Monique JACKSON (gk)

In: Rachael SOUTAR (promoted)

Out: Megan RAPINOE (returns to US)

Unavailable: Kyah Simon (injured), Victoria Balomenos (injured - season), Leena Khamis (overseas – 1 week), Alisha Bass, Sham Khamis (both international duty - Australia U-17)

Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER, 3. Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 4. Christine WALTERS, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 8. Hayley RASO, 9. Grace GILL, 10. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole SYKES, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Sally SHIPARD, 16. Ellyse EPERRY, 18. Taryn HEMMINGS, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Aroon CLANSEY (gk)

*four to be omitted

Unavailable: Leah BLAYNEY (injured)