Everton Women vs Crystal Palace: WSL Match Preview

Maren Mjelde has paid tribute to Everton Women’s fanbase and has called on the Blues faithful to bring their ‘amazing’ support this weekend ahead of the Toffees’ WSL clash with Crystal Palace.

The defender is well aware of the game’s importance, with Brian Sorensen’s team just six points off fifth spot with six games to play.

Clare Wheeler – who made her return from injury from the bench against Arsenal – is likely to available after a bout of illness this week, while Melissa Lawley is also expected to be ready despite picking up a knock in training.

It is not such positive news for on loan forward Louna Ribadeira, however, with the France international ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery to treat a foot injury.

Personnel aside, it is the Walton Hall Park atmosphere that Mjelde is hoping to experience again this weekend, as she explains.

“It is an important game. Every game is important no matter who you are playing against, but it is our next game and it is against a team that won their last game,” said the Norwegian international.

“They are going to bring confidence in to the game. But, I feel we are in good form and have had some good results recently.

Photo by Morgan Harlow/Getty Images

“We want to bounce back from the defeat to Arsenal. I think we are capable of a good performance on Saturday.

“It was amazing going out for the warm-up against Arsenal and seeing so many Everton fans. Those are the games that we love to play.

The support that we get is amazing – that is what we need.”

The Opposition

Leif Smerud’s side have given themselves a real chance of survival following an impressive 3-1 win over fellow strugglers Aston Villa in their last game, which was only the Eagles’ second WSL victory of the season.

Having scored the same number of league goals as their weekend hosts, it has been at the back where Palace have struggled this campaign, with 40 goals conceded in 16 outings making them the league’s leakiest defence.

It is a rearguard that contains a familiar face to Evertonians, though, with former Toffee Katrine Veje now plying her trade in South London.

Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images

In terms of attacking threat, Everton will be keeping a close eye on experienced striker Katie Stengel, who was on target for the Eagles in the win over Villa, while Dutch winger Ashleigh Weerden has also shown herself to be more than capable at the highest level.

Previous Meetings

Paige Riley’s goal after only 29 seconds was one of the WSL’s fastest goals this season in a November meeting that saw the Toffees start the day bottom of the pile.

Honoka Hayashi’s first goal for the Blues was also the first scored by a Toffee in the league this campaign, and was enough to ensure a point would be heading back to Merseyside.

Since then Sorensen’s side has moved clear of the relegation zone but know full well that Smerud’s team will arrive with a renewed confidence and a belief that they can get something from the fixture which may go a way to ensuring top-flight survival.

Everton Women take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, 22 March. Kick-off at Walton Hall Park is at 2pm (GMT) and tickets are still available here.