Football Season Guide

For about five months last season Fulham struggled, but eventually the progressive 3-4-2-1 formation favoured by coach Jokanovic brought joy and not only promotion was achieved, but White and Blacks did it in style. Fulham don’t have the biggest squad and they are actively trying to add new players to their ranks almost every day, monitoring their transfer activity this summer and also in January will be important, but so far the business made has been really impressive. All of the five new arrivals are expected to be regular starters, with the permanent capture of striker Mitrovic also an absolute hit with the fans. The Serbian scored 12 goals in 18 matches for Fulham last spring. In search of improved defensive stability Jokanovic got busy and brought in a new goalkeeper, Fabri will be battling it out with Bettinelli for the right to start, but he also added two new centre-backs that will fit his preferred shape with three at the back. Both Mawson and Le Marchand have played in such a system before and they look ready to slot in straight away. The 18-year-old superstar Sessegnon was moved from left-back to the left wing midway through last season and after his stats for both goals and assists were in double figures come the end of the campaign he will once again be one of the key figures for Fulham. Captain Cairney is also very important and he has the job to provide the link up play between defence and attack. Big money were spent on Seri, who is seen by Jokanovic as ‘Fulham’s own N’Golo Kante’. Winger Schurrle also doesn’t need much introduction and despite not doing very well in his previous spell in England when he was sparsely used by Chelsea the German has vast experience and is capable of providing a bull-like striker like Mitrovic with quality service. Fulham didn’t stop there and with the secured loan of the versatile Arsenal defender Chambers and as many as five more deadline day signings the squad looks well equipped for the season ahead. Anguissa from the newcomers was shining strong for Marseille last season, winning Europa League in May, and together with Sari, who also arrived from France, he should form very mean partnership in the heart of the midfield. The competition on goal is also suddenly fierce with Rico’s arrival, while Vietto should be an excellent alternative for Mitrovic up front. Also the signings of two more full-backs almost certainly means that Sessegnon will be used as a winger.