🦁 PL Previews: Fulham seek consistency after a season of two halves | OneFootball

Fulham exceeded expectations and predictions last season to secure a brilliant 10th placed finish, ending a season above west London rivals Chelsea for the first time in 40 years.

Having stopped their recent trend of yo-yoing between the leagues, the task for the Cottagers is now to establish themselves in the top flight once again.

See all of our club previews right here.

Transfers 🔁

In: Calvin Bassey (Ajax, £19.3m), Raúl Jiménez (Wolves, £5m)

Out: Shane Duffy (Norwich, free), Joe Bryan (Millwall, free), Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona, free), Steven Sessegnon, Sonny Hilton (both released)

Transfer balance: -£24.3m

Key fixtures 📆

🔑 Key player: João Palhinha

In one of the best bits of business of last summer and in Fulham history, Joao Palinha was picked up for £20m from Sporting.

He quickly became a standout performer for the Cottagers, dovetailing beautifully with another new signing Andreas Pereira in midfield.

Topping the Premier League tackle chart for the season with a staggering 147, the Portuguese midfielder was the rock on which all of Marco Silva’s foundations were built.

Having warded off suitors with a £90m price tag, the 28-year-old will once again be the key to Fulham’s success this season.

What has changed since last season? 🤔

Not a huge amount as yet, with their departures largely limited to squad players. Manor Solomon and Dan James have also left the club after loan spells last season and fans will be nervous to see what happens with Aleksandar Mitrović, who has been pushing for an exit since an offered to join the Saudi Pro League arrived.

Manager Marco Silva turned down a huge offer to make a similar move, much to the relief of everyone connected with the club. Likewise, Willian’s decision to re-sign was a big boost, though he is now already being linked with a swift exit.

Mitrović’s replacement looks to be Raúl Jiménez, who has joined from Wolves for £5m. Can he rediscover the form that made him one of the league’s best prior to his head injury?

Calvin Bassey has also arrived from Ajax for just over £19m and should add to an-already resolute defence.

Predicted XI 🔮

(4-2-3-1) — Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Palhinha, Reed; Reid, Pereira, Willian; Jiménez.

Where will they finish? 🏆

Premier League: 15th

FA Cup: 5th round

EFL Cup: 4th round

See all of our club previews right here.