My Cato on taking it game by game, a traditional Swedish Christmas and Sheffield United

Women

9 Jan 2026

In the first player preview of 2026, midfielder My Cato sat down to discuss her winter break, working hard, and the challenge that Sheffield United present on Monday.

It's been nearly three weeks since Cato and Palace last played, when they took on Arsenal on the 21st December in the Subway Women's League Cup quarter-final.

The team returned from their winter break recently, and Cato spoke about how she celebrated Christmas and New Years.

She said: "My Christmas and New Year’s Eve was fantastic. I went home to Sweden and spent some time with my family.

"We usually celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, and one tradition is that we watch Donald Duck and similar cartoons at 3pm - after we have been eating some Christmas food!

"On New Year’s Eve, I was with my mum, boyfriend and a friend. We made some dinner and played games, then we watched the fireworks."

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I’m very excited and ready to keep the good work up and get some more points
—My Cato

December was very productive for Palace Women, with the team winning three out of four games including an FA Cup victory over Lewes in which Cato got the only goal of the game.

After a few weeks away from the pitch, Cato is looking forward to getting back on the grass again.

"I’m so excited to get back playing. It felt good to go on Christmas break with some good results in the last games but now I’m very excited and ready to keep the good work up and get some more points," she said.

Palace take on Sheffield United at 19:00 GMT on Monday, under the lights at Bramall Lane.

Cato spoke about the challenge the Blades pose, highlighting the fact that if Palace maintain their recent level, then they could secure a positive result in South Yorkshire.

"We know it’s gonna be a tough game, like the last time we played against them.

"They’re a difficult team to play against but I really think that if we play like we have been doing over the last few weeks, I hope the three points will come home with us," Cato said.

Victory on Monday could see Palace climb into a play-off position for the first time this season, but Cato is just taking each game as it comes.

She said: "I’m not looking so much at the table, I believe and think that if we do our job each day in training and take the points in our games then we don’t have to look at the table or the other teams.

"So really, let's just take it game by game and do our absolute best in every training session and we see how far we can go."

Cato and the team will next play at home on Sunday, 25th January against Durham at the VBS Community Stadium in Sutton.

This fixture will be our 'Kid's Day' where fans under 16 can get a ticket for just £1!

Tickets are on sale for this fixture, you can get yours by clicking the button below.

Buy Durham tickets here!

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