palace palace

A raft of new arrivals in the summer saw Crystal Palace admittedly take time to gel at the start of this season – but now, back in form and playing with renewed confidence, they are only looking upwards in the Women’s Championship table.

Palace Preview

Writing ahead of the Eagles’ clash with Birmingham City at St Andrews’ on Wednesday evening, just three points separate Palace from Southampton in fourth place –the position in which they attained a record-breaking finish last season.

Having won three of their opening four league fixtures this season, Palace subsequently went three without a win at the turn of the year. They have since bounced back, however, to again win three of their last four games, including a league double over Sheffield United.

In the reverse fixture against Blackburn Rovers at Bamber Bridge in September, a clinical Elise Hughes hat-trick saw Palace run away with a 3-1 win in treacherous conditions – and the Eagles will be hoping for similar from today’s match-up.

Hollie Olding

Recently voted Palace’s cinch Player of the Month for February in recognition of her outstanding form in the centre of the park – including scoring a 25-yard rocket to open the scoring in a 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

Last Five

Recent clash

F. Kitching

P. Doran

L. Waldie

A. Everett

H. Olding

C. Haines

A. Filbey

K. Reilly

A. Blanchard

M. Sharpe

E. Hughes

one to watch Coral Haines

The matchwinner against Sheffield United twice in the space of two weeks, versatile midfielder Haines is a former England Under-23 international. She previously featured in the Champions League run which saw Birmingham City reach the competition’s semi-finals, and also enjoyed

N. Negri

A. Johnson

F. Gibbons

C. Arthur

15 apps eng u20

5 clean sheets career history: Chelsea, Watford, Sheffield United, Liverpool, Sheffield United

Kitching arrived at Crystal Palace last summer with great credentials to her name, having pulled off the Women’s Championship Save of the Season and won the division’s Golden Glove with Sheffield United in 20/21. Kitching formerly played for Chelsea, Liverpool and the Blades, and has twice scooped Palace’s Player of the Month award since joining.

20

Age 28

From Erskine

Joined August 1st, 2022

Debut August 21st, 2022 v London City Lionesses career history:

Celtic, Hibernian, Bristol City, Birmingham City, Aston Villa

12 Apps

0 goals sco senior

Tough-tackling midfielder Arthur began her career at Celtic from where she moved to Hibernian Ladies. After making her senior international debut for Scotland at the age of 20 – she has since gone on to win over 30 caps – Arthur moved to Bristol City, Aston Villa and Birmingham, before assisting the winner on her Palace debut last summer.

Kirsten Reilly

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT SCOTLAND

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT ENGLAND

Hollie Olding 16

Ellie Noble

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT ENGLAND

Age 21

Shauna Guyatt

POS MIDFIELDER

NAT ENGLAND

Annabel Blanchard

POS FORWARD

NAT ENGLAND player profile

From Liverpool

Joined August 1st, 2022

Debut August 21st, 2022 v London City Lionesses goals career history:

Liverpool, Leicester, Blackburn

16 apps eng u19 5

Blanchard goes up against the side for whom she last season finished joint-top goalscorer, and was named Coaches’ and Supporters’ Player of the Season. A twofooted forward who began her career as a 16-year-old with Liverpool, Blanchard has represented England up to U19 level, including scoring twice in three appearances at the 2018 UEFA U17 Euros.

0 goals eng u21

Age 24

From Uxbridge Joined August 1st, 2022

Debut January 22nd, 2023 v Coventry United

Recently returned from a 16-month long injury, former Arsenal, Millwall, Tottenham and Liverpool goalscorer Dean possesses a proven track record in the Women’s Championship, having won the competition with Liverpool in 2021/22 and finished second-top scorer in the 18/19 season with Spurs.

career history:

Arsenal, Millwall, Tottenham, Liverpool

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