The Cup of Nations returns tonight for the first time since 2019.
Host nation Australia will begin their campaign at the invitational tournament with a match against the Czech Republic.
A fervent crowd is expected in Gosford for the clash as the Matildas ramp up preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
MORE: Sam Kerr scores four goals in Chelsea's WSL Cup thrashing of West Ham
How to watch Australia vs. Czech Republic
| Date (AEDT) | Time (AEDT) | TV | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, February 16 | 7:10 p.m. | 10 Bold | 10 Play, Paramount+ |
This Cup of Nations clash will be televised in Australia on free-to-air via 10 Bold with the match also to be available via streaming services 10 Play and Paramount+.
Matildas Cup of Nations squad
| Name | Position | Club |
| Mackenzie ARNOLD | Goalkeeper | West Ham United |
| Steph CATLEY | Defender | Arsenal |
| Alex CHIDIAC | Midfielder | Melbourne Victory |
| Kyra COONEY-CROSS | Midfielder | Hammarby IF |
| Larissa CRUMMER | Forward | Brisbane Roar |
| Caitlin FOORD | Forward | Arsenal |
| Mary FOWLER | Forward | Manchester City |
| Emily GIELNIK | Forward | Aston Villa |
| Katrina GORRY | Midfielder | Vittsjö GIK |
| Charlotte GRANT | Defender | Vittsjö GIK |
| Clare HUNT | Defender | Western Sydney Wanderers |
| Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT | Midfielder | Melbourne Victory |
| Alanna KENNEDY | Defender | Manchester City |
| Sam KERR | Forward | Chelsea |
| Aivi LUIK | Defender | BK Hacken |
| Teagan MICAH | Goalkeeper | FC Rosengård |
| Courtney NEVIN | Defender | Leicester City |
| Clare POLKINGHORNE | Defender | Vittsjö GIK |
| Hayley RASO | Forward | Manchester City |
| Amy SAYER | Midfielder | Stanford University |
| Emily VAN EGMOND | Midfielder | San Diego Wave FC |
| Cortnee VINE | Forward | Sydney FC |
| Clare WHEELER | Midfielder | Everton |
| Tameka YALLOP | Midfielder | SK Brann |
| Lydia WILLIAMS | Goalkeeper | Brighton & Hove Albion |
Matildas team news
Tony Gustavsson has named a strong 25-player squad for the Cup of Nations, but it is not clear what starting XI he will name for their clash with the Czech Republic.
Chelsea star Sam Kerr features in the squad, along with Arsenal's Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord.
The Matildas have been boosted by the return of experienced trio Mackenzie Arnold, Emily Gielnik and Tameka Yallop after their respective injuries.
Also of note is Western Sydney Wanderers defender Clare Hunt, who has earnt her first national team call-up.
Chloe Logarzo - who returned from a ruptured ACL last year - is a surprise omission from the squad.
Further, Olympique Lyonnais defender Ellie Carpenter has not been named as she continues her return from a serious knee injury in France.
Matildas vs. Czech Republic preview and prediction
The Matildas will come into this clash as strong favourites, and deservedly so.
There is no denying the firepower of Kerr and Foord, along with exciting youngster Mary Fowler.
A balance of experience and fresh talent is also evident in the defence and midfield, headlined by the likes of Catley, Charlotte Grant and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
The Czech Republic will be no pushovers, though, possessing an undefeated record in their past five games.
Kerr's Chelsea teammate Kateřina Svitková will provide strength to the visitor's midfield, whilst Atlético Madrid's Andrea Stašková is an exciting young talent up front.
However, Australia's talent and squad depth should still likely prove too much for the Czech Republic, particularly with a home crowd cheering them on.
Prediction: Australia 4-1
