---
title: "Aston Villa confirmed XI: Kendall starts as Murphy drops to bench for Crystal Palace"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/10/04/aston-villa-confirmed-xi-kendall-starts-as-murphy-drops-to-bench-for-crystal-palace/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa Match Previews"
published: "2026-10-04T12:21:44Z"
modified: "2026-10-04T12:21:44Z"
---

# Aston Villa confirmed XI: Kendall starts as Murphy drops to bench for Crystal Palace

Lucia Kendall starts for Aston Villa Women against Crystal Palace, while midweek goalscorer Lily Murphy takes a place among the substitutes.

Brian Sørensen’s team host Palace at Villa Park, with kick-off at 2pm BST.

Kendall returns to the starting side after her [late double secured Villa’s 3-1 cup victory over Newcastle](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/10/01/lucia-kendall-aston-villa-newcastle-double/) on Wednesday.

Murphy opened the scoring in that match but starts on the bench this afternoon.

> Ready to represent 💜 [pic.twitter.com/0O1iiTCfIh](https://t.co/0O1iiTCfIh)
>
> — Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) [October 4, 2026](https://x.com/AVWFCOfficial/status/2106715966587777485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Aston Villa confirmed XI against Crystal Palace

**Starting XI:** Okuma, Harviken, Patten (captain), Kielland, Wilms, Maritz, Grant, Vangsgaard, Kendall, Deslandes, Taylor.

**Substitutes:** Ramsey, Kelly, Hijikata, Mullett, Murphy, McAulay, Scott, Maltby.

Anna Patten captains the side, with Sabrina D’Angelo not included in the matchday squad shown in Villa’s announcement.

## Kendall gets starting opportunity after Newcastle double

Kendall changed Wednesday’s game after replacing Maya Hijikata with the scores level.

[Newcastle’s official match centre](https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/matches/womens-team/aston-villa-women-v-newcastle-united-women-english-players-cup-20260930) recorded her introduction alongside Lynn Wilms and Chasity Grant. All three start against Palace.

Villa can also turn to Murphy and Hijikata from the bench if Sørensen needs fresh attacking options.

Supporters can find the broadcast information in our [Aston Villa Women vs Crystal Palace TV guide](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/10/01/aston-villa-women-crystal-palace-tv-kick-off-tickets/).