CRUCIAL CHALLENGE AWAITS

Today’s action begins at Allianz Stadium, with our City Women taking on Sydney FC in a huge clash with plenty on the line.

As we hit the second half of the season, things are getting tight at the top of the table with both teams well and truly alive in the race to the Premiership.

City’s in-form backline (and of course ‘keepers Melissa Barbieri and Sally James) have allowed just three goals in its last seven games, keeping clean sheets in five of those fixtures.

Captain Emma Checker’s inclusion has been big, while 18-year-old Naomi Chinnama and New Zealand international Katie Bowen have impressed since Round 1.

They’ll today face their toughest test of the season, a Sydney FC side that is currently leading the league in goals per game and fresh off putting six goals past fellow top four side, Melbourne Victory.

City’s defence will have to once again be at the top of its game to null the attacking threats the Sky Blues pose.

It’s always tough for any coach to change a winning line-up, which is just the challenge that Dario Vidosic is faced with this week.

While the scoreline only read 1-0 when the full-time whistle blew last Sunday, it was a strong performance from City who never really gave Adelaide a sniff.

Teenage sensation Daniela Galic found herself on the bench for that clash, while Karly Roestbakken was missing from the squad completely, rested due to soreness.

Both are expected to be right back in the selection mix for today, meaning there could be some unlucky omissions.

Returning to the XI last time out, Leticia McKenna and Bryleeh Henry both performed admirably and would certainly feel hard done by to lose their spot.

It’s the kind of headache that any coach doesn’t mind having and with such a crucial game ahead, there will be plenty of eyes on the XI when its released early Saturday afternoon.