Fulham have struggled to maintain a consistent level of success over the years. While they found the Championship too easy to navigate, the Premier League seemed too difficult for them to handle.
Last season, there was an expectation that they would suffer a third consecutive top-flight relegation, as they had done in their previous two promotion campaigns.
However, Marco Silva and his side defied expectations to finish in the top half of the table. Now, they stand at the precipice of a thrilling new chapter in their history.
With a renewed sense of determination and a squad eager to prove their mettle, the Cottagers are prepared to embark on a journey to cement their status as a Premier League club.
Here is our Fulham season preview for 2023/24. You can also check out our detailed Premier League season previews for all 20 teams.
Fulham Fixtures
Fulham will trade tackles with relegation survivors Everton at Goodison Park in their Premier League curtain raiser on August 12 before facing Brentford at home the following week.
Their fixtures take a challenging turn with consecutive trips to last season’s top two, Arsenal and Manchester City, to follow after the West London derby.
Fulham’s first derby clash with Chelsea takes place on September 30 at Craven Cottage. They will host Arsenal on December 30 before travelling to Stamford Bridge for the return fixture against Chelsea on January 13.
The West Londoners travel to Brentford on May 4 before hosting Man City in their final home game of the season on May 11.
They end the season with a trip to Kenilworth Road to take on Premier League newcomers Luton Town on May 19.
Manager
Silva has proven to be an excellent acquisition by Fulham since he joined the club in 2021.
Under his leadership, the club has made significant progress, achieving their highest Premier League finish in 14 years last season.
He has proven to be the right man to lead the Cottagers into a new era, and the supporters have every right to be excited about what the future holds.
However, their performance this season will depend heavily on their activity in the transfer market this summer.
The primary objective will undoubtedly be to consolidate their place in the top half of the table.
Whether they can punch above their weight again and secure an elusive European place is a stretch but not entirely impossible.
Transfer Business
Fulham are yet to register any significant departures, but the Cottagers are poised to lose at least two key players this summer.
Top scorer Aleksandr Mitrovic is trying to force an exit from Craven Cottage after being priced out of a move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 28-year-old was crucial to Fulham’s success last season, scoring 14 Premier League goals to help them achieve a top-half finish.
Al-Hilal are determined to land his signature, but Fulham are reluctant to lose their headline performer and have quoted a ridiculous £52 million to release Mitrovic, forcing him to embark on strike.
Tosin Adarabioyo could also leave the club this summer unless he pledges his future to the club with one year left on his current deal.
Calvin Bassey has been signed by Fulham from Eredivisie giants Ajax, possibly to replace Adarabioyo in the central defence.
The Nigerian is primarily a centre-half, but he can feature as a left-back when needed, and his versatility should come in handy for Silva.
Meanwhile, Fulham have surprisingly turned to Wolverhampton Wanderers misfit Raul Jimenez to replace their wantaway striker Mitrovic.
The Mexican had his best goalscoring season in 2019/20, netting 17 times in the league, but he has not been the same since suffering a severe head injury in 2020.
Jimenez has since failed to cross the 10-goal mark. He barely kicked a ball for Wolves last season and did not open his goalscoring account in 15 attempts.
Signing a striker who is past his prime and obviously in decline to lead the attack reeks of a shambolic business and sporting decision.
Starting XI
Fulham’s starting line-up shouldn’t see many changes, with the Cottagers retaining most of their history-making squad from last season.
Bernd Leno, who has proven a good value for money signing since joining from Arsenal, is set for another potentially historic campaign in West London.
Having pledged his allegiance to the club, Antonee Robinson starts at left-back. Bassey replaces the wantaway Adarabioyo at centre-back alongside Issa Diop, while Kenny Tete retains the right-back role.
Joao Palhinha was a rock for the Cottagers in the middle of the park and should anchor the midfield alongside Harrison Reed.
Willian, who continues to perform despite approaching the twilight of his illustrious career, should continue at left wing.
Andreas Pereira was crucial to Silva’s style of play last season and is expected to retain his place behind the striker while Harry Wilson provides width.
Carlos Vinicius played second fiddle to Mitrovic last season but managed five goals and six assists in the league. He should get the nod over the ageing Jimenez, with Mitrovic set to leave the club.
Here is our prediction for Fulham’s strongest starting XI next season:
4-2-3-1: Leno; Robinson, Bassey, Diop, Tete; Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Pereira, Wilson; Vinicius.
Star Player
Since joining Fulham in 2018, Mitrovic has been the team’s top performer. So, having to pick someone who could step up to the task in his absence is a bit tricky.
That being said, the Cottagers still boast a talented squad, and we expect Willian, with his experience in the division, can step up and compensate for Mitrovic’s potential departure.
The two-time Premier League winner scored five goals and assisted six in 27 league games last term and should have enough in the tank to help the club realise their lofty ambitions this year.
Pereira, Palhinha and Leno are also expected to play a key role during the campaign.
Prediction
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Cottagers heading into the season, particularly with Mitrovic’s future hanging in the balance.
While there is enough talent in the squad to surprise many, we expect Fulham to retain their top-flight status.
However, maintaining their top ten spot could be difficult, so we expect them to slip down into the bottom half of the table.
Predicted finish: 11th
Also Read: Detailed Premier League season previews for all 20 teams.
