Predicted Fulham Lineup To Take On Norwich City On The Opening Day Of The Season
As far as results are concerned, Fulham have not had the sort of pre-season they would have wished for, and finished off with a resounding defeat to Wolfsburg (0-3).
To put it into context, newly-promoted Newcastle went there on Wednesday and won 3-1. So that does not read so well. Conversely, Norwich did alright in the close season but have had a little more upheaval in terms of their squad whereas Fulham’s continuity is a selling feature, with important players like Sessegnon and Cairney having signed on for a few more years.
Their home form, especially in the second half of the games, is something they’ll have to work on and it is highly possible for Fulham to launch another promotion bid, starting from this opening day fixture against Norwich City.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Slaviša Jokanović
GK – Marcus Bettinelli
It could be a close call again between Bettinelli and David Button. But Bettinelli finished the season in this position and may be given the nod.
RB – Ryan Fredericks
A good attacking right-back, there may be more emphasis placed on him to provide assists from this side after the loss of Scott Malone on the other.
CB – Tomas Kalas
The Chelsea man is back for another loan stint and will get even better this season. A good start in this match can really set the tone and he will be a force at the back this term.
CB – Tim Ream
The likes of Madl and Sigurdsson will be pushing but Ream had a decent partnership with Kalas last time around and so they may start the season together.
LB – Ryan Sessegnon
I hoped the young man could start the season in an attacking position but for now, he may be asked to play here.
CM – Oliver Norwood
The new boy may well get the nod ahead of the excellent Kevin McDonald, though Ibrahima Cisse will also be pushing for a place.
CM – Stefan Johansen
The ex-Celtic man was tremendous last season and chipped in with plenty of goals despite his deep lying starting position. There’s no reason why he won’t hit the ground running here.
RW – Sone Aluko
Aluko is an important part of this attack and his mazy runs cutting in from the right are a great source of goals.
CAM – Tom Cairney
The Scotland international would have been a good fit in a couple of Premier League sides this season but for now, he gets to captain Fulham and hopefully lead from the front.
LW – Floyd Ayite
Until a new left-back comes in and Sessegnon moves forward, Ayite may be employed on this side at the possible expense of Lucas Piazon.
ST – Aboubakar Kamara
The new man needs a good start and will get his chance against the Canaries.