The emerging Saudi frontier has gone a long way to disrupting Fulham’s preparations for the new season.
First, Al Ahli tried to pinch manager Marco Silva, and Al Hilal have attempted to prise last season’s leading scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, away from Craven Cottage. The Serbian forward is set to be keen on leaving the Cottagers this summer, and his absence will be hard felt should he get his wish.
Silva’s side massively exceeded expectations last time out after yo-yoing between the top two divisions for several years. However, does the Portuguese manager have the tools to build on an impressive 2022/23?
Here’s 90min’s preview of Fulham’s upcoming campaign.
|
Season |
Premier League |
FA Cup |
EFL Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2022/23 |
10th |
QF |
R2 |
|
2021/22* |
1st (promoted as champions) |
R4 |
R3 |
|
2020/21 |
18th |
R4 |
R4 |
|
2019/20* |
4th (promoted via play-offs) |
R4 |
R2 |
|
2018/19 |
19th |
R3 |
R3 |
*Fulham played in the Championship during 2019/20 and 2021/22.
Ins:
Outs:
*Numbers subject to change before end of transfer window
|
Number |
Name |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Marek Rodak |
|
2 |
Kenny Tete |
|
3 |
Calvin Bassey |
|
4 |
Tosin Adarabioyo |
|
6 |
Harrison Reed |
|
8 |
Harry Wilson |
|
9 |
Aleksandar Mitrovic |
|
10 |
Tom Cairney |
|
13 |
Tim Ream |
|
14 |
Bobby De Cordova-Reid |
|
17 |
Bernd Leno |
|
18 |
Andreas Pereira |
|
19 |
Rodrigo Muniz |
|
20 |
Willian |
|
26 |
Joao Palhinha |
|
27 |
Kevin Mbabu |
|
28 |
Sasa Lukic |
|
30 |
Carlos Vinicius |
|
31 |
Issa Diop |
|
33 |
Antonee Robinson |
|
35 |
Tyrese Francois |
Star player
He’s bound to miss a few games due to yellow card accumulation, but Joao Palhinha has a massive role to play for Fulham in 2023/24.
The Portuguese international proved quite the coup for the Cottagers last summer as he slotted seamlessly into Silva’s midfield pivot and formed a balanced partnership with Harrison Reed. Palhinha emerged as the Premier League’s most prolific tackler, with his astute reading of the game so often coming to the fore to stabilise his side defensively.
Fulham’s lofty price tag deterred suitors this summer and depicted just how significant the 28-year-old is to the Cottagers’ chances of a successful 2023/24 season.
One to watch
Mitrovic may not yet depart, but the club’s move for Wolves’ Raul Jimenez would suggest there’s still a chance their leading scorer from last season leaves the club.
His exit would be a massive blow and would thrust a ton of responsibility onto Jimenez and former Tottenham man Carlos Vinicius.
The Mexican forward was once a productive Premier League outlet, but he’s never found his most potent form since returning to action after suffering a skull fracture in November 2020. Nevertheless, this is a new chapter for Jimenez, and he looked bright in pre-season. Could we see a renaissance in west London?
Home kit
Introducing our @adidasfootball 2023/24 Home Kit. 🤍
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) June 30, 2023
Away kit
Away Day Ready. 💗
Introducing our new 2023/24 @adidasfootball Away Kit.
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 1, 2023
Much of this prediction depends on the future of Mitrovic. Should the Serb stay, Fulham are on course to enjoy a campaign similar to 2022/23 given that those in the bottom half of the table haven’t considerably strengthened this summer.
However, the Cottagers risk getting dragged into the relegation dogfight should they be reliant on Jimenez and Vinicius for goals. Mitro looked a sure bet to depart a few weeks ago, but there’s growing confidence in Fulham quarters that their leading man will remain at the club.
If that’s the case – even if he’s disgruntled – Silva’s side could enjoy another stress-free top flight season.
Fulham 2023/24 Premier League prediction – 12th
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