Premier League Preview: Fulham

The Cottagers, as they are fondly known are the other team from West London apart from Chelsea. The team did really well under the management of former manager Roy Hodgson. They played in the Europa League and reached the finals of the competition where they lost to Athletico Madrid. Last season, Mark Hughes was appointed manager and it was obvious that the team would drop many points by drawing matches. The team drew 16 of its 38 matches, and won only 3 away games. A poor away record did not matter much and the team finished at a respectable 8th position and qualified for the Europa League through the Fair Play Award as Chelsea who came first already made it to the Champions League. With new manager Martin Jol, who has already proved his worth in the Premier League, the team look strong with the signing of many new players such as John Arne Riise and Pajtim Kasami. Although the departure of Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening may cause a slight problem but if the new signings are good then all should be good for the Cottagers. Moussa Dembele, the forward, who was signed last year did not make an impact and it was Bobby Zamora who after recovery helped the team to finish 8th by scoring important goals towards the end of the season. The question still hangs that can Martin Jol prove his worth and help Fulham in achieving European football next season. Let's wait and watch what Martin Jol can prove this season with the most underrated team in the League.

Season 2010-11: Fulham started its season with many draws but managed to convert these draws into wins and fought back many a times when they were losing to make a comeback. Bobby Zamora, their main player, was injured for almost 4 months and they really missed him as during that time almost no striker scored goals, it was Clint Dempsey, Damien Duff and Zoltan Gera along with Brede Hangeland and Chris Baird who scored goals in the absence of their striker. The way the season started it seemed that the team were heading for the relegation battle but they managed to pull of great wins and ended up 8th in last year's league table. 16 draws meant the team dropped many points home and away. With the return of Bobby Zamora it seemed that Fulham were back on track and could challenge for a top 7 finish and play in the Europa League. As things turned out, the team actually qualified for the Europa League through the Fair Play Award. A good season for the Cottagers under a new manager.

Transfers:
In: Pajtim Kasami (Palermo, Undisclosed), John Arne Riise (AS Roma, Undisclosed)
Out: John Pantsil (Leicester City, Free), Jonathan Greening (Nottingham Forest, Undisclosed), Zoltan Gera (West Bromwich Albion, Free)

Verdict: Good proven signings and a new manager under their wing, Fulham look strong and confident to make their mark in the league. Bobby Zamora along with Clint Dempsey and new signing John Arne Riise can prove to be a deadly combination and can take down the defence of many teams. The likes of Brede Hangeland, Simon Davies, Dickson Etuhu and Damien Duff will once again prove to be an integral part of the team by showing their skills on the field. Pajtim Kasami, their new signing from Palermo, is a wonderful and creative midfielder who can deliver amazing passes and can score many long distance goals. All in all, the future seems bright for the West Londoners. Wishing them all the very best for the upcoming season.

2010-11 Position: 8th.
Football Finesse Predictions: 8th, 9th.
Men To Watch: Bobby Zamora, Clint Dempsey, Moussa Dembele, Pajtim Kasami, Brede Hangeland