W-League: Canberra, Brisbane favourites

While United became the first side to go through the league's 10-match season undefeated, it was Melbourne who came closest to ending that run with Canberra needing a late equaliser to earn a share of the points last month.

Canberra though has been dominant at its Belconnen home ground, comfortably defeating Victory at the venue earlier in the season.

United midfielder Sally Shipard says the host is optimistic of repeating that feat and claiming home advantage for the season decider the following weekend.

"We will be concentrating on what we have been doing all season and if we do that there is no reason why we can't keep our winning form," said United's Matildas midfielder Shipard.

"Having said that we don't want to rest on our past results so we won't be overconfident.

"We also have great depth in our squad this season, that won't be an issue.

"We will try and use our home advantage, but we can't rest on our past results because Melbourne Victory have been building all season and we need to continue stepping up."

Canberra will be without dual international Ellyse Perry, due to cricket commitments with Australia's national side, while a knee injury will again prevent Matildas forward Caitlin Munoz from taking the field.

The victor will win through to the grand final and a meeting with the winner of Sunday's semi-final between Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC.

W-League heavyweight Roar has won all three previous editions of the competition but has been forced to take a back seat as Canberra led from the outset.

Aside from home ground advantage, Brisbane has history in its favour and should have a psychological edge on the back of a four-match unbeaten run against the Sky Blues.

It will be Sydney's second visit in a week to Brisbane, having lost 1-0 against Roar in a hard-fought final round meeting last weekend.

Nevertheless Sydney coach Alen Stajcic expects the match to be in the balance throughout.

"I thought we did OK last week and we are hoping we have quite a bit more in us this weekend," he said.

"It's definitely a 50-50 game once again, as has been the case over the years.

"I think a win always provides a little bit of a confidence but home ground advantage it is not that significant.

"We travel quite well and tend to do well away from home."