But ahead of them is Sydney FC. The ladder-leading Sky Blues, who are out to claim the W-League premier's plate with a win at Viking Park on Friday.

Indeed there's much on the line for both teams, but Vicki Linton's outfit has form in their favour. And Sydney? A three-week rest.

United's 4-0 loss to Sydney in round seven is beyond the rear-view mirror, as they've steadily climbed back up the W-League ladder with three successive victories.

The Sky Blues have since stayed on top, but registered two losses in their past three matches to Adelaide United and the Brisbane Roar.

Now only two points separate second from fifth, with Canberra and Brisbane each having one game to play and Melbourne Victory two.

Captain Kendall Fletcher said United will use their winning momentum to their advantage against Sydney, who have not played since March 6.

"You can look at like they have rest or we've played in, but at this part of the season you want to have played in," Fletcher said.

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"We've been in that mentality for weeks now, we've had to get results and that's how we've had to go into games.

"We're locked into that and that's how we're going into it. That can be to our advantage, but rest is never a bad thing and Sydney is a great team.

"They've got experience as well, so they'll come in ready to go. They can lock in first position in the league with a win, so they have a lot to play for as well."

Fletcher said Canberra had learned from their last loss to Sydney, with the captain confident they can match well against the visitor's threats across the park.

"We've figured out our system a little bit better and found our rhythm," Fletcher said.

"I think it's about us imposing our rhythm on the game, and we can do that. Can we disrupt what Sydney is doing? I think that will be the challenge.

"I think we can match up against them and do that."

At the forefront of that ploy is Michelle Heyman, having booted 10 goals so far this season and leads United's attack with 35 shots and three assists.

Nicki Flannery has also been dangerous in attack with six goals, while Sydney's scoring has been shared between three key forwards.

Remy Siemsen leads the Sky Blues with seven goals, with Cortnee Vine and Princess Ibini scoring six each.

"Michelle is just dangerous, she's always dangerous," Fletcher said.

"It's about getting her in good positions. We have played together before and have a bit of experience, we're the most experienced players on a very young team.

"I really look to connect with Michelle, she is someone I need in the game to look to. We play off each other really well.

"Because she is so dangerous, she is always a threat. It's about finding her, being aware of where she is and can we get her in a good position to do what she does best which is score and win games.

"You can't teach that necessarily, she has a nose for it. I've been impressed with her consistency this season."

W-LEAGUE

Round 14 - Friday: Canberra United v Sydney FC at Viking Park, 5.35pm.