Five Westfield Matildas to watch against Chile

Two riveting rounds of the new Westfield W-League season are set to segue nicely into the Westfield Matildas' first matches back on Australian soil since March.

The upcoming friendlies against Chile in Penrith and Newcastle mark the return of several key stars and will see players enter with form built both domestically and abroad.

Expectations are also raised thanks to the thrilling style turned on in home meetings with Brazil and China PR last year.

Here, we take a look at five Westfield Matildas who are ready to provide the fireworks this time around.

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Lisa De Vanna

It goes without saying, but Lisa De Vanna is always a player to watch for club and country.

The 33-year-old possesses the acceleration, skill and centre of gravity to snap past defenders in an instant, and can produce the finish to top things off.

De Vanna's leadership is just as essential to the team's success and, indeed, the explosive attacker's inner drive makes her a compelling figure to watch 14 years on from her international debut.

The Westfield Matildas' all-time top scorer has expressed a desire to continue on at least until the 2020 Olympic Games, by which time she will have passed Cheryl Salisbury's record of 151 caps.

While she won't reach that mark here, De Vanna always embodies the dedication and excitement synonymous with the national team.

Sam Kerr

Sam Kerr is simply box office.

Fans love goals and the Perth Glory superstar scores plenty of them, from poacher's tap-ins to long-range rockets and mazy solo efforts.

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Chile will certainly be on red alert after the speedy striker terrorised Brazil in a similar two-match series just over 12 months ago, scoring three times.

But, as defences in Australia and the United States have discovered over the past few seasons, knowing Kerr's quality and stopping her from showcasing it are two very different things.

Ellie Carpenter

Canberra United's dynamic teenager appears on the cusp of progressing to a new level.

Ellie Carpenter, with 21 international caps and an Olympic Games already behind her, has spoken positively on the transformative effects of a successful spell in the United States earlier this year.

There, the 18-year-old was an important cog for an expectant Portland Thorns side that went all the way to the end of the season.

She has since returned to Canberra where the tutelage of Westfield Matildas great Heather Garriock is invaluable.

Seemingly secure as Alen Stajcic's first-choice right-back, it will be fascinating to watch the quick and agile Carpenter's continued development in the lead-up to France 2019.

Tameka Butt

Melbourne City's capture of Tameka Butt from Brisbane Roar was understandably lauded as one of the best pieces of business over the off-season.

However, it's the midfielder's recent stint in Norway that is of most interest to Westfield Matildas supporters at this point in time.

Butt was prolific in her second season with Klepp, scoring eight goals in 18 appearances to go with the 14 she notched last term.

Her goal-scoring contributions were central to the club's best-ever finish of second in the Toppserien and provide the national team with a player in outstanding form.

Alex Chidiac

Like fellow midfielder Butt, Alex Chidiac has been turning heads in Europe this season.

The 19-year-old earned an exciting move to Atletico Madrid earlier this year and has impressed at every turn in Spain.

She has scored twice in six appearances for the reigning champions while soaking up UEFA Women's Champions League experience as part of the matchday squad.

An archetypal number 10 boasting skill on the ball and an eye for a killer pass, it should perhaps be no surprise that Spain's strongest women's side moved for the former Adelaide United playmaker.

These matches against Chile could now be her chance to translate that obvious ability to the international arena.

Tickets for the Westfield Matildas' first friendly against Chile in Penrith on Saturday, November 10 are available for purchase HERE.