W-League: Roar the underdogs

The stage is set for an epic contest in Sydney with the two squads containing over 20 international players with a combined total in excess of 600 caps.

With the premiership safely secured a fortnight ago, the Blues have now stretched their unbeaten run to ten matches, last week overpowering Canberra United 3-0 in the semi-final despite playing nearly the entire match a player short.

Brisbane conversely have endured a late-season form slump, being made to work hard to claim a narrow 1-0 semi-final victory against Central Coast Mariners.

Sydney are definitely going in as favourites, says Brisbane Roar captain Clare Polkinghorne.

"We don't mind the underdog tag and being Queenslanders we love playing as underdogs," she said.

"We have learnt a few things about ourselves this season and going in not as favourites might take the pressure off us and perhaps Sydney will feel the pressure of expecting to win.

"We have reached the final but we haven't played out best football (in recent weeks), so that is the scary thing for anybody that has to come up against us.

"We have picked up the training and intensity and are getting back to the football we know we are capable of and have gained some momentum."

The Roar will be without suspended striker Sasha McDonnell, who was sent off in the win against the Mariners, which combined with injury to Jenna Tristram, leaves Courtney Beutel as the lone spearhead in attack.

Sydney have personnel concerns of their own with coach Alen Stajcic forced into another reshuffle at the back as Clifford's suspension adds to a significant list of long-term defensive injury absentees.

The Blues, who have never defeated their northern rivals in their three W-League matches, will also be keen to atone for last season's semi-final penalty shootout defeat against the Roar.

"Winning the premiership was good but the grand final is what we have all been aiming for," said Sydney FC striker and leading goalscorer Leena Khamis.

"The New South Wales and Queensland rivalry is always there and it would be good to get some revenge for last year."