One of the biggest challenges Canberra United face is out of their control in their next match - heat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a 35 degree day on Sunday for their match against Adelaide United at Marden Sports Complex.
United have been predominantly training in the ACT's low-teens, mid-20s or rain for the last few weeks, in comparison to the heat they are expected to face in South Australia.
The hottest December temperature in Canberra so far has been seven degrees less at 28 degrees. The only consolation for the visitors in green will be the ACDT 6pm kick-off.
Linton said heat was a tricky factor of the game.
"That's something really hard to prepare for," she said.
"We've talked about it and about the hydrating, but the real change in temperature, you really can't prepare for and it is going to be hard."
MORE IN CANBERRA SPORT:
The fixture's start appears to have been delayed, with the A-League Women's fixture last month stating a ACDT 5.35pm kick-off.
Despite the heat, expectations are high as they look to build on their second-half performance in their 1-0 loss against Melbourne City.
Linton said the side had been working hard, making her job tougher to pick a 16-player squad for the round two away fixture, and a starting XI.
"Training has been good this week," she said.
"Last week we were disappointed with the result but kind of just pragmatic of where we're at and just looking for a response."
Last season each side took three-points a piece from their games, with Canberra winning their first hit out 4-3 before losing 2-1 in their next meeting.
Both sides are coming off losses, with the Reds losing their opening match 5-1 against reigning ALW champions Melbourne Victory.
Linton said it would be a close fixture as both sides hoped to gain their first points.
"Adelaide had a tough round one, and we expect them to bounce back and have a little bit of pride at home," she said.
"We know how good they are, especially from last year ... and so we have been preparing to play against them and looking for a result, looking for an improve performance, step-by-step improving every week and hoping to get a result on the weekend."
AT A GLANCE
Details on how to watch Canberra United's A-League Women's Round 2 fixture:
- Adelaide United versus Canberra United
- Kickoff 6.30pm AEDT
- Marden Sports Complex, Adelaide
- Available to watch live on Paramount+
Isobel Cootes
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
Sports reporter at The Canberra Times. A Novocastrian with a passion for football (or soccer as they call it in the capital) via The Examiner and The Port Lincoln Times.
