Football Season Guide

Bounced back up only a year after being relegated. Missed out on the Championship title only on goal difference. The expansion to 14 teams meant that 2nd place also provided direct promotion. After a good 1st year in charge young coach Jo Potter (41) got busy adding players with WSL experience this summer. Excited to get from Tottenham solid CB Bartrip and the proven goalscorer in this division CF Beth England. Both will likely be key factors as to the Eagles’ survival chances. Lexi Lloyd-Smith is also an interesting new signing. She won the Golden Boot in the Championship last season with her 11 goals. Her ability to hurt defenders with her speed should help Palace a lot when they are forced to sit deep and defend. Veteran GK Peyraud-Magnin brings experience. Still have Yanez too so should have options on goal. Most players have experience in the WSL and the squad is not bad-looking. The big question is can Palace earn enough points against direct rivals. With the moves made this summer have flexibility to operate both in a low block and with speedy forwards and in a more tradition 4-4-2 shape. Likely will need both approaches depending on the opponent.