Your Fantasy Football Club by Club Guide: Crystal Palace

The overview

Last season: 2nd (BWSL2, promoted)

This season expectations: Aiming to avoid relegation

Crystal Palace might be the best placed of all the promoted sides to establish themselves in the BWSL. They went up as runners-up, matching Birmingham on points, and have spent the summer strengthening very wisely. It’s fair to say that Jo Potter's side look like they mean business this season.

The biggest name through the door is one with real top-flight pedigree. Bethany England arrives from Tottenham. She brings a serious BWSL scoring record and will instantly give Palace a focal point and, importantly for Fantasy managers, a nailed-on goal threat. Alongside her comes Lexi Lloyd-Smith from Bristol City, who bagged 10 in BWSL 2 last season, so there's no shortage of firepower coming through the door.

But the name to circle is Ashleigh Weerden. From wing-back last season, she managed seven goals and ten assists and got through a mountain of crosses and dribbles along the way. Based on our scoring system, Weerden would have scored 173 points last season. If she can carry her form into the coming season, she could be one of the best-value picks in the entire game. Add in the likes of Abbie Larkin and Kirsty Howat, who both chipped in with goals, and this is a promoted side with a real attacking threat.

Set-piece takers

Corners: Ashleigh Weerden took the majority last season, adding yet another string to an already loaded Fantasy bow. Regular corners on top of all those goals and assists make her the standout.

Penalties: With Bethany England now in the building, a striker who's taken plenty of penalties in her career, she's the obvious bet to step up. 

Direct free kicks: Annabel Blanchard and Weerden are the most likely to step up and shoot from distance.

Player costs

As mentioned, Ashleigh Weerden (£7.0m) is the must-look pick; she's the definition of value, with plenty of goals, assists, corners, and clean-sheet potential all rolled into one. Up front, Bethany England (£6.0m) is probably as safe a bet as you can find; a proven BWSL scorer who should get you goals and take the penalties, well worth it if you can fit her in. Plus, Lexi Lloyd-Smith is an excellent ball carrier who will likely grab those involvement points and could also offer plenty of goals.

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