The state of play: Palace Women bid for glory this weekend

The Eagles kick-off at Lewes on Sunday (21st April) afternoon (14:00 BST) knowing that, should the combination of two results go their way, they could win the Women’s Championship title.

Second-placed Sunderland host third-placed Charlton, and kick off at the same time as the Eagles face Lewes at The Dripping Pan.

An excellent display against Birmingham City last weekend, sealed by Elise Hughes on the stroke of half-time, moved Palace ahead of the teams around them: two points ahead of Sunderland, three in front of Charlton, and with a much stronger difference.

Palace therefore go into the final two games knowing that, whatever happens, they are guaranteed to still be in with a chance of winning the title come the final day – a fantastic achievement.

Three points at Lewes on Sunday would take them even closer to the brink of glory – or could even seal it.

How can I follow?

While tickets are on sale via Lewes' website, Sunday's match will be streamed live and for free via the FA Player from 14:00.

That means that, even if you're at Selhurst Park to witness Oliver Glasner's men's team take on West Ham at the same time, you can still watch Laura Kaminski's side's bid for glory, live and free on your smartphone.

How could Palace win the title on Sunday?

Should Sunderland and Charlton draw, and Palace win at Lewes, the Eagles would mathematically win the league title on Sunday afternoon – setting up the potential of a celebratory final game at Selhurst Park.

But winning at Lewes will, by no means, be a simple task.

Sitting 11th in the Championship at present, Sunday's hosts will be fighting to stave off potential relegation on their home turf; they sit three points adrift of Reading and safety, with two games left to play.

While Palace won the reverse fixture 3-2 back in November, they were made to fight for it, staving off a late fightback from the visitors to hold onto three points.

The month before, Lewes had battled their way to a 1-1 draw with Palace in the League Cup group-stages, winning the subsequent penalty shoot-out.

As Kaminski often stresses, Palace will not get too far ahead of themselves – plenty of work is still to be done.

As for Sunderland and Charlton, they are two teams with the joint-best defences in the division thus far (with just 17 goals conceded in 20 matches).

In the reverse fixture in November, a pair of injury-time goals saw the spoils shared 1-1 at the Valley; more of the same on Sunday, we hope.

What if they don't?

If either Sunderland or Charlton win – or Palace do not – then the title race would go right down to the wire.

It would all come to a head in an exciting final-day fixture at Selhurst Park between Palace and Sunderland on Sunday, 28th April (14:00). Find out more here.

Charlton, too, could still retain an interest heading into the last fixture; they will host fourth-placed Southampton at the Valley.

What records have Palace broken this season?

Regardless of what happens from here, the Eagles have already eclipsed their previous record finish: fourth place in 2021/22.

That in itself marks an excellent first season in red and blue for head coach Kaminski; Head of Women’s Football, Grace Williams; and their brilliant squad.

The team have already set a plethora of Palace records in 2023/24, with more goals (53 in 20 matches), more wins (13) and more points (42) than ever before.

However the season pans out from here, it's been one to be proud of.

Palace Women’s final away game of the season, against Lewes at The Dripping Pan, is due to be broadcast live and free on the FA Player from 14:00 BST on Sunday (21st April).

A full match report and reaction will be available on cpfc.co.uk and @cpfc_w on X and Instagram.

Tickets remain available for Palace against Sunderland, the following Sunday (28th April, 14:00), at Selhurst Park.