Fulham. Last Season’s Finish: 12th. Expectations: Top 10. Prediced Finish: 16th.
I’m not that keen on Fulham having a successful season this year, I think they’ll be in the relegation scrap at the business end of the season. Even though they moved swiftly to bring in fresh faces at Craven Cottage this summer, with the likes of Fernando Amorebieta, Derek Boateng and Maarten Stekelenberg all joining the club this summer, Fulham still have an ageing squad which may not be able to keep up with the fast pace of the Premier League this season. They are a club that only need a couple more additions to steer themselves clear of relegation, but lacking forward options this season could be costly.
Dimitar Berbatov is the only real threat going forward for Fulham, Hugo Rodallega and Brian Ruiz need to start chipping in with some goals to take the pressure off of Berbatov. Adel Taarabt joining on loan provides some much needed creativity in midfield, which will help their fight against the drop.
Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov needs to show up again this season and be the bell-cow forward the desperately need. A minimum of 15 goals out of him will surely be enough for them to avoid the drop if the supporting cast pitch in also with key goals. Unfortunately, their lack of firepower and failure to truly address the issue in the summer may cost Martin Jol his job come this time next year.