Containing the dangerous Melbourne Victory striker Lisa De Vanna looms as Canberra United's biggest hurdle in getting its W-League campaign back on track.
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United is keen to make amends for last week's shock defeat against Adelaide United when it takes on the ladder leader at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday.
The Victory is at the top of the table with 16 points, four clear of third-placed United, which has a game in hand.
De Vanna has been a key weapon in the Victory's resurgence this season.
The Matildas veteran is always a handful in front of goal and will present plenty of headaches for United's defence, especially the central defensive pairing of Catherine Brown and Ellie Brush.
United goalkeeper Lydia Williams said the presence of De Vanna and Welsh international Jess Fishlock in the midfield meant her side would need to be at its best to collect the three points.
''It's going to be a tough game, no matter what,'' Williams said.
''Melbourne are the number one team in the competition for a reason and we're going to have to be a lot better than we were last week.
''They've got threats all over the park and it's going to take a total team performance to get the win.''
United made uncharacteristic mistakes in last week's 2-0 loss to Adelaide United, the club's first defeat to the Lady Reds in the competition's history.
Both goals came in the opening 12 minutes as United struggled to play with its usual fluency and speed through the middle of the park.
''We realised what the problem was and it's really out of character for our team,'' Williams said.
''It's about adjusting and remembering what our roles are when we start playing. We've had some pretty honest truths about what happened.
''It's been good this week to get back to basics and work on some high-intensity stuff.''
Attacker Georgia Yeoman-Dale has been added to an extended 16-player United squad, while Matildas veteran Sally Shipard remains sidelined with a knee injury.
This is United's fourth and final consecutive match on the road before it returns for four straight games at McKellar Park.
Williams said the string of away games couldn't be used as an excuse but she was looking forward to returning to familiar surroundings.
''It's going to be great to be back in Canberra but we should be able to cope with the travel,'' she said.
''We're all professionals so it's something we have to deal with.
''If we can get the three points this weekend, it's going to put us in a great position for when we're back at home.''
SUNDAY: W-League, round eight: Melbourne Victory v Canberra United at Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne, 3pm. TV: Live, ABC 1.
