I'm mostly with Ben. I think it'll be a struggle. I'll go for 16/17th. I know it's a pessimistic view but I just feel it's too much transition too quickly. A young, inexperienced manager and a new reliance on younger players with little Premiership experience is a risk. An exciting risk but a big risk nonetheless. To play devil's advocate with myself(lol), we do have plenty of Premiership experience in the squad but none of them(apart from Sess), have a genuine eye for goal. It's all about whether the new signings have goals in them.
Thanks Kevin, I felt a bit of doom and gloom writing this in comparison with the other lads. But, I do feel like this is a momumental leap from Fulham & I hope it pays off.
Geez you lot! I stand with Drew. 10th sounds nice. "Everyone is talking about “uncertainty” being the word of this season, but I think it’s “potential”. - DH
Theres a nice balance of youth and experience at Fulham now. I think youth bring enthusiasm. While Silva was a great manager. But that squad still had potential that was not harnest IMO. I just refuse to think Arbeloa can build on this well drilled base.
We have zero proven big-5 league goal-scorers. Zero. Sure Sess and Iwobi might chip in with a couple, but that's it. I think Kevin and Bobb are getting over-hyped, they are both just slighty better Adama Traores at the moment. King runs around like a headless chicken and usually makes poor decisions in key moments. Garcia huffs and puffs but hasn't really looked dangerous or effective all pre-season. Muniz and ESR constantly underperform. Palacios has put a few nice passes together in powder-puff friendlies, but is he really going to impose himself in the tough midfield battles of the PL? All this optimism is misplaced, people are just getting over-excited because there's been some change. Can't see us finishing higher than 15th, and I think it will be a low scoring slog, with constant team changes as we (unsucessfully) try and plug a very leaky defence.
I think Ben will be the closest on this, 16th finish, cup semi-final.
Similarly to Dan, I hope we stick with Arbeloa though, this is a great opportunity to bed in a young squad, make a few more additions, then push on next season to European places, winning the conference league in 2029.
The dynamism already shown with the César Palacios & Josh King pairing is revealing and intriguing. The goal scoring (assists too) from Timo & Jedi preseason remonstrates Silva's possession style coaching - Sess as well. Swopping Lukic for Charles is a Tony Khan brainiac-move, for sure.
A top half finish would be the best we can hope for at worst avoiding relegation is a must. Looking the players that have come in we could cause a few upsets this season, another 3 or 4 new signings should settle the squad and provide depth. My tip for surprise player is Jorge Cuenca, he should thrive under Arbeloa.
I'm mostly with Ben. I think it'll be a struggle. I'll go for 16/17th. I know it's a pessimistic view but I just feel it's too much transition too quickly. A young, inexperienced manager and a new reliance on younger players with little Premiership experience is a risk. An exciting risk but a big risk nonetheless. To play devil's advocate with myself(lol), we do have plenty of Premiership experience in the squad but none of them(apart from Sess), have a genuine eye for goal. It's all about whether the new signings have goals in them.
Thanks Kevin, I felt a bit of doom and gloom writing this in comparison with the other lads. But, I do feel like this is a momumental leap from Fulham & I hope it pays off.
Geez you lot! I stand with Drew. 10th sounds nice. "Everyone is talking about “uncertainty” being the word of this season, but I think it’s “potential”. - DH
Let's just remember what Alan Hansen said all those years ago: "you'll never win anything with kids". How wrong he was!
Theres a nice balance of youth and experience at Fulham now. I think youth bring enthusiasm. While Silva was a great manager. But that squad still had potential that was not harnest IMO. I just refuse to think Arbeloa can build on this well drilled base.
We have zero proven big-5 league goal-scorers. Zero. Sure Sess and Iwobi might chip in with a couple, but that's it. I think Kevin and Bobb are getting over-hyped, they are both just slighty better Adama Traores at the moment. King runs around like a headless chicken and usually makes poor decisions in key moments. Garcia huffs and puffs but hasn't really looked dangerous or effective all pre-season. Muniz and ESR constantly underperform. Palacios has put a few nice passes together in powder-puff friendlies, but is he really going to impose himself in the tough midfield battles of the PL? All this optimism is misplaced, people are just getting over-excited because there's been some change. Can't see us finishing higher than 15th, and I think it will be a low scoring slog, with constant team changes as we (unsucessfully) try and plug a very leaky defence.
I think Ben will be the closest on this, 16th finish, cup semi-final.
Similarly to Dan, I hope we stick with Arbeloa though, this is a great opportunity to bed in a young squad, make a few more additions, then push on next season to European places, winning the conference league in 2029.
Thanks, Simon!
Final position: 9th
Player of the season: César Palacios (25+ goal contributions)
Top scorer: Gonzalo García (15+)
Best result: Beating league leaders Arsenal with a thrashing to end the calendar year and kick off the new year's celebrations in style.
Most left-field Fulham prediction: Harrison Reed comes off the bench, and scores ANOTHER banger that's a strong contender for goal of the season.
Europe and a Cup Semi would be 'fan'-tastic.
The dynamism already shown with the César Palacios & Josh King pairing is revealing and intriguing. The goal scoring (assists too) from Timo & Jedi preseason remonstrates Silva's possession style coaching - Sess as well. Swopping Lukic for Charles is a Tony Khan brainiac-move, for sure.
There's lots to love here . COYW !
Personally, I think Fulham will finish 10th and I’m backing us to beat Man City!
A top half finish would be the best we can hope for at worst avoiding relegation is a must. Looking the players that have come in we could cause a few upsets this season, another 3 or 4 new signings should settle the squad and provide depth. My tip for surprise player is Jorge Cuenca, he should thrive under Arbeloa.
Personally, I’m excited by the potential!
However agreed that patience is needed and that it will most likely be a season of growth.
Most likely a small step back in league position but good foundations for the future.
I am concerned about the defence/Leno. Can’t see us keeping more than half a dozen clean sheets.