USA vs. Australia Women's Soccer: Fan's Guide, Prediction and Preview

The United States women's national team is back in action after about a month absence and will try to make Australia its next victim.

So far in 2013, the Americans are living up to their ranking as the No. 1 team in the world. They are yet to lose in 12 matches, and have only two draws keeping them from perfection.

They will try to stay sharp in this international friendly, although Australia will not be an easy victory. The squad is No. 8 in the world and has a chance to be legitimate contenders for the 2015 World Cup.

Both sides will look to use this match to improve going forward, which should make this a competitive battle between two top teams.

When: Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m. ET

Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

Watch: NBC

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Top Storyline: Tom Sermanni Faces His Former Team

When the United States needed to replace Pia Sundhage as head coach, they tabbed Tom Sermanni, who had years of service with the Australian national team. 

Sermanni coached the squad from 1994-96 as well as 2005-12, which featured three different World Cup appearances. In 2007 and 2011, the group reached the quarterfinals for the only time in team history.

Now he will go up against many of his former players while leading a very different roster.

This might be emotional for everyone involved, but you can be certain that the Matildas will fight hard for a win against their former coach.

Prediction: United States 3, Australia 1

While Australia is very talented on the international scale, it is simply not on the level of the American squad.

The United States features some of the top scorers in the world, led by international scoring leader Abby Wambach. She is joined by Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan and Christen Press, all of whom have been outstanding this season.

This quartet of forwards makes it almost impossible to keep the United States off the scoresheet, and it will lead to at least a few goals in this match.

Australia has the skill to get at least one score, but it will not be enough to overcome the Americans.

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