English Premier League Preview: Fulham
After a hugely-successful European adventure last season, it is back to reality for English Premier League outfit Fulham as they look to make progress under a new manager. With owner Mohamed Al Fayed promising a big transfer kitty for Mark Hughes to strengthen the squad, hope is high at Craven Cottage that, without the welcome but domestic-damaging distraction of the UEFA Europa League, Fulham can improve on last season’s 12th-place finish.
Indeed, when he was unveiled as the club’s new boss following the defection of Roy Hodgson to Liverpool, former Blackburn and Manchester City manager Hughes publicly said that his target for the season was to finish in the top half of the table. Not a lofty ambition by any means, but as Fulham have made steady progression over the last few years it is a reasonable one and anything better will be a bonus.
Fulham’s greatest strength is their defensive line. Solid and industrious, the back-four and goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer conceded 46 league goals last season – better than any other team in the bottom half of the final table, but some way off the figures recorded by champions Chelsea (32) and Manchester United (28). With a robust group of players taking care of matters at the defensive end of the pitch, Hughes will not want to tinker too much with the set-up he has inherited from Hodgson. However, it is imperative that top-class cover be brought in for centre-backs Brede Hangeland and John Pantsil. Hughes will have to make that a priority.
In midfield, Fulham have a good group of pros who will be prepared to give their all to impress their new manager. Danny Murphy is still their main man at the age of 33, and if the club captain can stay fit, he will play a big part in the club’s push to clamber up the table this season. In 113 games in total for Fulham, he has scored 19 times, but it is his possession play and range of passing which is so vital to the team.
Shone in Europe
Zoltan Gera was named as the side’s player of the season in the last campaign and it’s easy to see why. The Hungary international played a key part in ensuring his team’s place in the EPL for another year but it was on the European stage where he really shone, as he scored six times in 14 Europa League games. If he can concentrate that form on to the domestic stage, he will be a formidable opponent this year. Experienced campaigner Damien Duff will also play a key role in the middle of the park, so Hughes will not have to change things around too much in this department.
New England squad man Bobby Zamora was the club’s top goalscorer last season, but struck just eight times in the league, while Fulham failed to score in 16 of their EPL games. That is a situation which will have to be addressed if Fulham are to push on towards a Europa League place this season. With Andy Johnson having endured three seasons where he was affected by various injuries, it is doubtful that Hughes will want to rely on him and will look to use the promised transfer kitty to bring in a big, traditional centre-forward to play-off the hard-working Zamora.
Though other teams look better placed to achieve finishes that will bring Europa League and UEFA Champions League football to their clubs, Fulham should be on the verge of qualifying for European competition again this season, but it looks unlikely. However, they look nailed-on certainties to achieve their new manager’s minimum aim for the 2010-11 season.
Prediction: Tenth
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