Canberra United embrace selection headaches as W-League preparations ramp up

Selectors are beginning to narrow down options for United's starting team as preparations intensify ahead of the W-League season.

Linton said their preparations have been tracking well and players had progressed each week, leaving United spoiled for choice three weeks away from their opening-round clash with Perth Glory on December 29.

United have had training matches against Capital Football's TSP team which has helped the coaching staff look at different line-ups, ways of playing, and using varying player abilities.

Striker Demi Koulizakis said the competition between players has built over the month, lifting the standard of training.

"It's very competitive and the girls have made it so, we're just going at it," Koulizakis said.

"It's going to be hard to find a final XI because we've got so much depth in our team. It's exciting.

"We've been playing a few matches against the boys which is very good because they're so fast and fit, and that's made us even better.

"It's very promising. The first game is in a few weeks and I think we're ready for it."

As United continue their preparations, Linton has kept a close eye on their W-League rivals and how their squads are taking shape.

Matildas icon Lisa de Vanna has returned from a stint in Italy and joined Melbourne Victory to continue her domestic career.

The 36-year-old forward is the Matildas' all-time leading goalscorer and was part of Melbourne's 2013-14 championship-winning team.

Australian defender Jenna McCormick is also back, signing with Melbourne City after a brief stint in Spain with Real Betis.

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She joins fellow Matilda Teegan Micah at City, while Emily Gielnik and Katrina Gorry have signed with the Brisbane Roar.

"It's good to see Lisa back. For her personally, I think it's great to see her back and with a club she's played for before," Linton said.

"She always brings some excitement to a game, whether what that will look like. She'll bring a challenge to us for sure.

"Jenna is a solid player as well, that's two good pick ups for them.

"We're starting to see a few more come through which helps me engage where clubs are going to be at because there was a little bit of the unknown there. We're keeping an eye on that as it develops, but a lot of our focus is on us and what we're trying to do."

W-LEAGUE

Round one: Perth Glory v Canberra United at Dorrien Gardens, December 29, 9pm