Stajcic put the team through a tough session in hot conditions on Friday morning and worked on a number of shooting drills ahead of the clash.

 The session ended a big week for the team. After overcoming Perth Glory 5-2 last weekend the Sydney girls defeated a Project 22 boys' youth team on Wednesday night. But third placed Sydney fly into the South Australian capital early on game day for this penultimate round clash.

These tricky travel arrangements put added pressure on the side said Stajcic.

And the fact that the Lady Reds pulled off an impressive 2-2 draw with the reigning champions Brisbane Roar last week only adds to his belief the game will be particularly tough.

"It's very difficult doing that sort of travel on game day with having to get up early with a 6am start. It's very difficult but we're in good form," he told au.fourfourtwo.com

The Reds sit second bottom on the ladder but the pleasing 2-2 draw at Ballymore last week has rejuvenated a squad that had lost 6-0 a week earlier.

Stajcic believes the ladder positions may not reveal the full truth about Michael Barnett's charges.

"When you look at them, they've got some good players," he said. "Obviously they've been lacking confidence but last week would've given them some great confidence. A goal or two can change things very quickly.

"But our players won't be complacent. Sometimes it's a mental battle more than a physical one."

The round starts with the local derby between Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets tonight at Bluetongue Stadium. Although the teams are at the opposite ends of the table, there will be plenty of emotion in this match with local pride on the line.

The Saturday ABC match of the round sees Melbourne Victory host Canberra United at Olympic Park with a place in the top 4 and pole position for a potential semi-finals berth as the prize on offer going into the final round the following weekend.

Later that afternoon, Perth Glory meet Brisbane Roar at Clipsal Stadium in Perth and together with the Sydney  v Reds game that will complete the round.