But first her sights are set on ensuring they don't take bottom-placed Adelaide United lightly in what Carpenter says is a do-or-die clash in terms of their W-League finals hopes.

Canberra were four points behind the fourth-placed Perth Glory, but have a game in hand on the run home to the finals.

Carpenter was the December nominee for the W-League young-player-of-the-year award this week and she felt her game had improved since moving to Canberra.

That bodes well for the future given she was already a Matilda.

The 17-year-old from Cowra has played at right back and in the midfield for both club and country.

While Carpenter was happy to play anywhere, she relished the chance to test herself in the engineroom.

"I feel like coming here has improved my football as well as getting coached by Heather, and a different group of girls to play with was always going to challenge me in many ways," she said.

"I think being here has pushed me and I'm playing well at the moment, which I think the team has brought upon me as well."

It's Carpenter's first season with United, having spent the previous three season with the Western Sydney Wanderers.

She's enjoyed her time in Canberra and was open to staying longer term.

"We'll see how this season pans out and see my options for next year, but I'd definitely consider coming back here," Carpenter said.

Canberra were looking to snap a three-game losing streak, with their last outing a 3-0 loss to Sydney FC before Christmas.

It's been three weeks since that game and they're desperate to get back on the field - albeit in potentially 38-degree heat.

Garriock will welcome back striker Ashleigh Sykes from an ankle injury, although she'll also be without winger Nicky Flannery, who's been ruled out with a foot injury.

The United coach was unsure whether Sykes would start or would come off the bench and will make a call after their final training session on Saturday.

"It depends on how she pulls up today after training ... but her just being on the park this week has made," Garriock said.

Carpenter was unsure how the European players would handle the extreme heat.

Norwegian international Elise Thorsnes will help cover the loss of Flannery by playing as a forward, but how will she cope with the Canberra summer?

While it's expected to be in the 30s on Sunday, the mercury is dipping to -14 back in Norway at the moment.

"They're not used to the heat, especially Elise from Norway, I think she's used to minus degrees about now. Hitting that 38 she doesn't know what to do," Carpenter joked.

"We have to go out there and play like it's a do-or-die match. We need to get the three points on the weekend and if we don't it will be hard to keep our finals hopes alive."

W-LEAGUE ROUND 10

Sunday: Canberra United v Adelaide United at McKellar Park, 6.30pm. Tickets available from Eventopia.

Canberra squad: 1. Haley Kopmeyer, 3. Clare Hunt, 4. Toni Pressley, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 8. Liana Danaskos, 10. Grace Maher, 11. Elise Thorsnes, 12. Bethany Gordon, 14. Ashleigh Sykes, 16. Karly Roestbakken, 17. Madelyn Whittall, 18. Taren King, 20. Amy Sayer, 21. Ellie Carpenter, 23 Michelle Heyman, 34 Laura Bassett, 36. Georgia Boric.