The Perth Glory Westfield W-League team is set to take on Sydney FC on Saturday in a massive contest which looms one of the biggest in club history.
Last week saw the Glory play three games in seven days, with the latest result a 2-2 draw against Brisbane Roar in Queensland.
Perth remains top of the W-League table with Sydney in second place, just two points behind.
The top six teams are separated by just three points, so results are paramount in the final four matches with a debut finals appearance up for grabs for the Glory.
This weekend-s blockbuster carries extra significance as it will be played as a curtain raiser to the A-League Sydney derby at Allianz Stadium.
Perth Glory goalkeeper Carly Telford is no stranger to playing in front of big crowds during her time with Chelsea Ladies and the England national team, so she is looking forward to this weekend-s crunch game.
“It-s lovely to be back in Perth for starters after being away all of last week,” said Telford.
“It-s been nice to regroup, get back to training and shake off those small injuries and tired legs some of the girls had.
“Sydney is going to be tough and we are all eager just to get out there. I-ve played at the Emirates in front of over 26-thousand and this is going to be a huge occasion with the likes of Del Piero playing afterwards.
“Then again it-s a pitch, it-s grass, the same size everywhere, so we just want to get there and get the three points after slipping up last week.”
Talismanic captain Collette McCallum will miss the match due to a personal commitment also involving youngster Sarah Carroll, but Telford says the team will still be able to perform strong with competition for places at an all-time high.
“There-s no doubt she-s going to be a massive loss, she-s such a fantastic player,” said Telford.
“I think we-ve got good squad depth so whoever comes in will do a great job for us.
“We-re looking forward to the test and taking in the experience of the last result (3-1 win) against them.”
Canadian international Sasha Andrews returns to the squad this weekend after missing the Roar clash with bone bruising to her knee.
Kick-off against Sydney FC will be at 2.00pm Perth time on Saturday and you can follow all of the live updates via www.twitter.com/perthglorywomen.
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Saturday 15 December, 2012
Allianz Stadium
Kick-off: 5.00pm local time (2.00pm Perth time)
Perth Glory: 1. Carly TELFORD (gk), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 7. Aivi LUIK, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Jaymee GIBBONS, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 15. Liz MILNE, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Kirri BOLTON, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Zoe PALANDRI (gk)
Three to be omitted
Ins: 5. Shannon MAY (promoted), 6. Sasha ANDREWS (return from injury), 10. Jaymee GIBBONS (promoted), 16. Thia EASTMAN (promoted), 18. Kirri BOLTON (promoted).
Outs: 2. Sarah Carroll, 14. Collette McCallum (both personal commitments).
Unavailable: Nil.
