The Westfield Matildas face a familiar opponent in their third group game at the Algarve Cup on Tuesday morning Australian time.
It will be Australia's third and final game in Group A after a win over Norway and a scoreless draw with host nation Portugal.
WHERE AND WHEN
ESTÁDIO MUNICIPAL DE ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL
Mon 5 March, (Tues 6 March AEST)
Kick-Off: 7pm local (6am AEST)
RECENT MEETINGS
Australia and China PR met in Melbourne last November to play two friendlies.
Australia eased past the visitors 3-0 at AAMI Park in game one.
They then faced each other in the Victorian city of Geelong a few days later, with the Australians recovering from conceding an early goal to win 5-1.
And both nations met a year ago at the same tournament with Australia winning 2-1.
Westfield Matildas' last 10 meetings with China PR
- 23‐05‐10: AFC Women's Cup ‐ Lost 1-0
- 08‐09‐11: Olympic Games Qualifier - Won 1–0
- 24‐11‐12: EAFF Championship Qualifiers – Lost 1–2
- 24‐11‐13: Friendly International - Won 2–0
- 27‐11‐13: Friendly International - Won 2–1
- 25‐10‐15: Friendly International - Drew 1–1
- 09‐03‐16: Olympic Games Qualifier - Drew 1–1
- 06‐03‐17: Algarve Cup: Won 2–1
- 22‐11‐17: Friendly International - Won 3–0
- 26‐11‐17: Friendly International - Won 5–1
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD NEWS
Australia are unbeaten in this Algarve Cup with a thrilling 4-3 win over Norway and a frustrating 0-0 draw with the host nation.
However, injuries are mounting and that is what will be concerning coach Alen Stajcic ahead of April's AFC Women's Asian Cup.
After the match against Portugal, Hayley Raso was set to return home with an injury, noted Stajcic, while Emily Condon came off moments into her debut. Steph Catley also has a concern.
Australia went into the tournament minus key players Caitlin Foord and Kyah Simon due to injury. Emily Gielnik was also ruled out.
CURRENT WORLD RANKINGS
Australia: 4
China PR: 16
FINAL WORD
Australia's depth is being tested with a mounting injury toll, but it's what tournaments like the Algarve Cup are all about: testing new players as well as systems.
The Matildas brushed aside China PR last November in Australia and despite the tougher conditions in Portugal, they'll be supremely confident of breaking them down again.
China PR rarely play any other way: compact across their defensive structure and look to hit on the break with their pacy strikers. Australia will know what to expect.
A win and other results going their way is the desired outcome for the Westfield Matildas if they are to make the gold medal match.