Merry, who missed last year's World Championships with an achilles injury, was a doubt for the Manchester event after hurting her foot during winter training.

But the Olympic gold medallist says she will be ready for the Commonwealth trials which should secure her a clash with her Australian rival.

Freeman claimed the Olympic gold medal in Sydney two years ago after an epic performance in front of her home crowd, fighting off Merry who finished third.

Freeman though spent most of the following year out of action after choosing to take a rest from the sport, which also saw her miss the World Championships in Edmonton, and Merry believes Freeman will not be at her best in Manchester.

"She's a fantastic athlete," said the 27-year-old Briton.

"Obviously she's a double world-champion and an Olympic champion so we're talking about a lady with very high credentials.

"But at the end of the day nobody is unbeatable and I'm looking forward to racing Cathy."

Freeman missed the Australian Commonwealth trials with a thigh injury, although she was still selected for the national team.