Form
Fulham's fairytale run to the Europa League final last year has proved to be something of a double edged sword, as it ultimately led to the departure of their inspirational manager Roy Hodgson to Liverpool. It also leaves new gaffer Mark Hughes with some mighty big shoes to fill. Under Hodgson, Fulham were a modest, hard-working unit, whose team spirit and organisation enabled them to punch above their weight domestically and in Europe. Hughes' own managerial record is reasonable, with successful spells in charge of Wales and Blackburn, and arguably also Manchester City, to his name. However, he may have to pull off something of a miracle if he is to outdo his much-lauded predecessor.
Star Players
In managing to hang on to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who was the subject of two bids from Arsenal during the window, Mark Hughes may have pulled off a masterstroke. In the past couple of seasons, his assured displays between the sticks have given the Fulham defence a feeling of solidity and confidence. The towering Brede Hangeland, another sometime Arsenal target, was a rock in central defence last season, adding height and leadership to a well drilled back four, and Fulham fans will be looking for more of the same this season.
Last season, Dickson Etuhu really cemented his place in Fulham's midfield, and Hughes will be looking for continued improvement in the season ahead. His star turn at the World Cup with Nigeria should certainly bolster his confidence. Another Fulham player to have impressed in South Africa was the USA's Clint Dempsey, and Hughes will be hoping that he can replicate some of his world cup heroics in the Premier League this season.
If they are to get the best out of the in-form Bobby Zamora, Fulham will need their ageing wing wizards Damien Duff and Simon Davies to steer clear of injuries. They will also be looking for a few more goals from last year's player of the season, Zoltan Gera.
The Gaffer
Mark Hughes has a strong managerial track record, coaxing excellent performances out of the Welsh national team and Blackburn before being turfed out of money-mad Manchester City after their highest ever Premiership finish. It remains to be seen if he can replicate, or even better, the achievements of the last two seasons, but his track record suggests that he just might be up to the task.
The Outlook
Without the distraction of a European campaign, Fulham could be reasonably expected to end up in the top half of the table by the season's end. However, many of their key players are ageing and increasingly injury-prone, and their potential replacements are not of the same standard. If they can keep clear of injuries and put together a strong run of form, they might just sneak into Europe next season, but if not, mid table mediocrity beckons.
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 14 2010
Bolton Wanderers - Fulham (15.00)
Sunday, August 22 2010
Fulham - Manchester United (16.00)
Saturday, August 28 2010
Blackpool - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, September 11 2010
Fulham - Wolverhampton Wanderers (15.00)
Saturday, September 18 2010
Blackburn Rovers - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, September 25 2010
Fulham - Everton (15.00)
Saturday, October 2 2010
West Ham United - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, October 16 2010
Fulham - Tottenham Hotspur (15.00)
Saturday, October 23 2010
West Bromwich Albion - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, October 30 2010
Fulham - Wigan Athletic (15.00)
Saturday, November 6 2010
Fulham - Aston Villa (15.00)
Wednesday, November 10 2010
Chelsea - Fulham (19.45)
Saturday, November 13 2010
Newcastle United - Fulham (15.00)
Sunday, November 21 2010
Fulham - Manchester City (16.00)
Saturday, November 27 2010
Fulham - Birmingham City (15.00)
Saturday, December 4 2010
Arsenal - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, December 11 2010
Fulham - Sunderland (15.00)
Saturday, December 18 2010
Liverpool - Fulham (15.00)
Sunday, December 26 2010
Fulham - West Ham United (13.00)
Tuesday, December 28 2010
Stoke City - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, January 1 2011
Tottenham Hotspur - Fulham (15.00)
Wednesday, January 5 2011
Fulham - West Bromwich Albion (19.45)
Saturday, January 15 2011
Wigan Athletic - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, January 22 2011
Fulham - Stoke City (15.00)
Wednesday, February 2 2011
Fulham - Newcastle United (19.45)
Saturday, February 5 2011
Aston Villa - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, February 12 2011
Fulham - Chelsea (15.00)
Saturday, February 26 2011
Manchester City - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, March 5 2011
Fulham - Blackburn Rovers (15.00)
Saturday, March 19 2011
Everton - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, April 2 2011
Fulham - Blackpool (15.00)
Saturday, April 9 2011
Manchester United - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, April 16 2011
Fulham - Bolton Wanderers (15.00)
Saturday, April 23 2011
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, April 30 2011
Sunderland - Fulham (15.00)
Saturday, May 7 2011
Fulham - Liverpool (15.00)
Sunday, May 15 2011
Birmingham City - Fulham (15.00)
Sunday, May 22 2011
Fulham - Arsenal (15.00)