Top spot on the A-League Women's table is up for grabs when Western United hosts Melbourne City on Saturday with both sides looking to rebound from defeats.
United have lost two straight after winning nine of their first 10 matches, while City were brushed aside 3-0 by emerging powerhouse Sydney last week.
But City defender Katie Bowen says her side's confidence wasn't shaken, their attention quickly turning to the derby matchup and a chance to avenge a 3-1 loss against United from earlier in the season.
"Obviously we had a slip-up last week so we're looking at this week for redemption," she told reporters.
"We know it's going to be a tough game for us, but arguably it was our best performance the last time we played them, we know they've got some good players and are physical so we're gonna have to show up and give it our all.
"We just didn't show up, it was very uncharacteristic and disappointing to see ... we're ready to learn from that game but also forget it and move on."
City regain Matildas defender Karly Roestbakken from a foot injury, while United might recall Danielle Steer to the starting 11 after she came off the bench against Newcastle on Wednesday night.
United coach Mark Torcaso denied the recent form slump could be traced back to the departure of star American forward Jess McDonald, despite having lost two of three matches since she left.
"We're in a position where everyone needs to literally stand up together, staff included," he told reporters.
"We want to make sure we're accountable on weekends and lead and motivate them and make sure we're ready to go.
"That will slowly happen and it's bad it's happened in a week we had three games ... it's good this break will come up too."
United are two points clear of City so the winner will finish the round on top, but it's third-ranked Sydney that's impressed Bowen most this campaign.
"Everyone knows they've got a pretty dangerous front-line, but what's hard is we didn't bring our best game," said the New Zealand international.
"I'd love to see a full-strength Melbourne City go against them again ... they are the best opponents we've faced.
"These things happen in football and in sport, the more concerning thing was just why that happened."
