Matildas set to face off in Women's Super League top-of-the-table clash

As Australian football continues to dissect the Matildas' calamitous early exit from the Asian Cup, several senior players are already back with their clubs and have turned their attention to the silverware still within their grasp.

Despite missing almost a month's worth of games due to international duty, captain Sam Kerr returned to Chelsea still leading the Women's Super League Golden Boot race with nine goals.

While the striker came under fire for missing a handful of easy chances in the South Korea game, her first game back with Chelsea last weekend was a reminder that Kerr is just as influential in the build-up to goals as she is in scoring them, with her slicing run and fizzing cross-field pass setting up Chelsea's winning goal against Manchester City last Sunday.

Her Australia teammates Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso were on the bench for City but neither made an appearance in their 1-0 defeat to the reigning champions.

The win puts Chelsea within touching distance of leaders Arsenal, who were held to a 1-1 draw against third-placed Manchester United last Saturday.

United were on the score-sheet early through young striker Alessia Russo, who slammed home a header in the 10th minute.

Arsenal had a handful of chances saved brilliantly by United goalkeeper Mary Earps, but it was new Swedish signing Stina Blackstenius who found the equaliser in the 79th minute, finishing off an extraordinary through-ball assist from fellow striker Vivianne Miedema.

Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley started for the Gunners at centre-back, while winger Caitlin Foord, who had a quiet Asian Cup campaign, came off the bench at half-time and had a volley saved by Earps.

Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams was an unused substitute and has not