It’s a tough run-in for bottom-placed Crystal Palace, who will meet Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City before the season is over.

Villa, meanwhile, only face one top-four side in their five remaining games, while they will have the added bonus of a home crowd for their last game at Villa Park.

Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Jen Beattie said she is “more worried” for Palace than Villa.

“Based on who they’re about to play, they’re about to play the top teams higher up, whereas Aston Villa, I think they can get more out of their results,” Beattie said.

However, Palace manager Leif Smerud is confident his side can turn things around, despite a difficult fixture list.

“This is not a defeated group. This is not a team that’s given up,” he said.

“I think football is the biggest sport in the world because the underdog always has a chance.”