The Matildas will take on Olympic champions Canada in the first of two friendlies in Brisbane, Australia on September 3.
Tony Gustavsson’s side last played on home soil in April when they claimed consecutive wins over New Zealand.
The Matildas latest camp in June didn’t go so well with Australia beaten 7-0 by Spain before being held to a late 1-1 draw with Portugal.
While Canada’s last match against the USWNT ended in a 1-0 loss in July, they did claim five straight wins before that with their only other defeat this year coming against Spain in another 1-0 loss.
These two nations last played against one another at the 2016 Olympic Games with Canada claiming a 2-0 win on that occasion.
How to watch Matildas vs. Canada
| Australia | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Sat, Sep. 3 | Sat, Sep. 3 |
| Time | 14:45 AEST | 00:45 ET |
| TV channel | Channel 10 | Optik TV (Ch. 980) |
| Streaming | 10Play, Paramount+ | fuboTV Canada, OneSoccer |
Australia: This friendly will be televised on Channel 10 and streamed for free via 10Play. Paramount+, which requires a subscription, is also expected to show the match.
Canada: Optik TV will broadcast this match on television in Canada, while fuboTV and OneSoccer will both provide live streams.
In a sunshine state of mind! Hello, Brisbane! 😎
🇦🇺 v 🇨🇦 3.09.22 – Suncorp Stadium
🎟️: https://t.co/g0nhT2Xqm0 #WeAreMatildas @Queensland #thisisqueensland #visitbrisbane pic.twitter.com/5enS4WMZ0g— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 29, 2022
Matildas vs. Canada projected lineups & team news
Gustavsson was able to name a nearly full-strength squad for this match with the likes of Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord all named.
Chloe Logarzo has also returned to the Matildas squad following an ACL injury.
Kyah Simon, however, wasn’t named in the team as she continues her comeback from injury.
Hayley Raso was initially named in the squad but an ankle issue saw her replaced by Princess Ibini.
After Gustavsson fielded experimental sides in June, expect him to name a much stronger starting XI for this game.
Matildas projected lineup (4-2-3-1): Williams (GK) — Catley, Kennedy, Polkinghorne, Nevin — Gorry, Yallop — Foord, Van Egmond, Fowler — Kerr.
Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman has opted to bring a youthful team with him to Australia.
Veterans Deanne Rose, Vanessa Gilles, Jayde Riviere are all sidelined with injury, opening the door for some younger players to make their mark.
Celtic forward Clarissa Larisey and Simi Awujo are both hoping to make their senior national team debuts.
Canada projected lineup (4-3-3): Sheridan — Chapman, Buchanan, Zadorsky, St-Georges — Scott, Quinn, Fleming — Beckie, Sinclair, Larisey.
Matildas vs. Canada preview and prediction
The Matildas will return to Australia hoping to shake off the poor results of their last camp but will face an almighty challenge in Canada.
The reigning Olympic champions have been in fine form this year but do head Down Under without some first-team regulars and on the back of a 1-0 defeat to the USA.
Both teams will be eager to get back to winning ways, and on paper, the Matildas may have a slight edge in terms of players available – not to mention the fact they are playing at home.
Canada aren’t a team to go down easy, however, and are more than capable of digging in and at least avoiding defeat.
Prediction: 1-1 draw
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