The last time the two sides met, the Hockeyroos dominated 4-0, in an FIH Pro League match in India in February. That win extended Australia’s unbeaten streak against the United States to 13 matches, their only loss to the States coming in a shock 1-2 loss at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

But head coach Katrina Powell says that record counts for nothing when it comes to the Olympic Games.

“We caught them on the back of a long campaign in India because they had to qualify for the Olympics as well,” she said.

“I don’t think it was a true reflection and they've had some much stronger games since. They’ll come in with heightened confidence.”

The Hockeyroos sit atop Pool B on six points and another three will put them in a comfortable position to score a favourable quarter-final berth but they’ll be without their standout drag flicker Tatum Stewart and co-captain Jane Claxton.

The Toowoomba defender will miss the next pool match after she picked up a minor knee injury in Monday’s win over Great Britain, while three-time Olympian Jane pulled up with a minor calf injury.

Both Stewart and Claxton have been removed from the squad as a precaution to ensure she can be medically cleared to compete later in the tournament.

Explosive defender Hattie Shand will make her Olympic debut, in what’s expected to be a fitting match-up as the Hockeyroo brings extra firepower against a dynamic American outfit and Hobart’s Maddison Brooks will make her return.

“Historically, the USA have had periods of time where they've been really strong internationally,” Katrina said.

“I think we're heading into another one of those periods. We need to be ready for them because they will throw everything at us and they will not stop.“

Kristina Eddy