Match preview: Back in WSL action as Palace visit B6
Women
2 days ago
Aston Villa Women are back in Women's Super League action on Sunday afternoon when they host Crystal Palace at Villa Park (ko 2pm).
The Villans will be aiming to secure a maiden league win of the season against the Eagles, and continue positive momentum after maintaining their 100% start in the League Cup with a win over Newcastle United in midweek.
After a couple of weeks on the road all eyes return to B6 as interim head coach Brian Sørensen and his squad look to sign off with a victory before the international break.
Newly promoted Crystal Palace are faring well on their top flight return so far under young manager Jo Potter.
Having recruited vast elite level experience in the shape of forward Bethany England and goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin among others over the off season, the side have so far proven they are up for the battle at the top level this term.
The Eagles have already secured five points from their first four games, notably kicking off with a 1-0 victory at Everton before holding title contenders Arsenal to a 0-0 draw away from home on matchday two.
Fans are still able to purchase tickets for Sunday's fixture at Villa Park, with the stadium ticket office open from 12pm up until kick-off.
What Do The Stats Say?
- Aston Villa have won three of their last five WSL meetings with Crystal Palace (D1 L1), with those games averaging 3.8 goals (13 for Villa, 6 for Palace)
- The last season in which Aston Villa and Crystal Palace met was in 2024-25, with the home side winning all three fixtures across all competitions (Aston Villa twice, Crystal Palace once)
- No player has made more blocks than Aston Villa Team Captain Anna Patten in this season's Women’s Super League (9 – level with Crystal Palace's Teyah Goldie)
- Crystal Palace have lost just one of their opening four matches in the Women’s Super League this season (W1 D2) – the fewest defeats of any newly promoted side at this stage of a single WSL campaign
The Last Meeting
It was a dramatic encounter right until the final whistle when Aston Villa and Crystal Palace last met at Villa Park in the Women's Super League in November 2024.
My Cato gave the visitors the lead on the half hour mark before Villa struck back through Anna Patten and captain Rachel Daly to take a narrow lead into the break.
The Eagles thought that they had stolen a share of the spoils when Annabel Blanchard volleyed home in the 86th minute, though Villa rallied to deliver a late decisive blow.
After picking up a loose ball on the edge of the box, winger Ebony Salmon picked out the top corner to deliver the home side's first win of the campaign in thrilling fashion.
The Presser: Thoughts from Interim Head Coach Sørensen
Team News
As per the player availability update published on Saturday, 20th September, defender Rofiat Imuran, midfielders Oriane Jean-François, Missy Bo Kearns and Jill Baijings, forwards Rachel Daly and Kamilla Melgård, and goalkeepers Ellie Roebuck and Lily Clark remain unavailable for selection.
