Predicted Fulham line-up to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League
Fulham are back in the Premier League and face a rejuvenated Crystal Palace side on their opening day of the new season. Fulham signed 2 of the big names in Seri and Schurrle but have won just 2 of their pre-season friendlies and have struggled to get goals.
Alexander Mitrovic’s arrival has given them some much-needed firepower as the Serb scored within a minute into his first game, against Celta Vigo and even assisted the second goal of the game as the Cottagers drew 2-2.
Palace, on the other hand, have been in scintillating form in their set of friendlies. The likes of Zaha, Patrick Van Anholt, Tomkins, Townsend have looked really sharp and dangerous.
Probable Fulham XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Slavisa Jokanovic
Fabri Agosto (GK)
The Spaniard joined Fulham this summer from Besiktas and started in the pre-season games. He should be the first choice for the Cottagers for this campaign.
Cyrus Christie (RB)
The Republic of Ireland international was one of the constants for Fulham in the Championship last season, after joining the club in January. He would love to raid down the right flank and provide service to the likes of Mitrovic and Kamara.
Tim Ream (CB)
Ream was a rock at the back for the Cottagers as he started all but two games in the Championship last season. But the Premier League will be a different test altogether for the American.
Maxime Le Marchand (CB)
The Frenchman joined Fulham from Nice and has instantly nailed down the centre-back spot in Jokanovic’s starting XI.
Ryan Sessegnon (LB)
The young English prodigy had a fairytale of a 2017/18 season where he scored a whopping 15 goals. He can play both as a left-winger and as a left-back but due to injury concerns in the side, he should start at left-back. The young PFA player of the year nominee loves to bomb forward at every opportunity, so the fans shouldn’t really be surprised to see him amongst the goals and assists this season.
Tom Cairney (CM)
The former Blackburn man played 30 games for the Lilywhites last campaign and scored 6 times, most importantly in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the playoff final. He will look to retain possession for his side and allow the attacking players ahead of him to do their creative stuff.
Kevin McDonald (CM)
The Scotsman was at the heart of Fulham’s midfield last season when he played 42 times, scoring thrice and assisting once. He has an eye for a killer pass and with the likes of Schurrle and Mitrovic around him, he will become even more dangerous.
Jean Michael Seri (CM)
Seri joined Fulham from Nice and this deal turned a lot of heads. The Ivory Coast international has slotted right into the left-hand side of the central midfield trio for Fulham.
Aboubakar Kamara (LW)
Kamara was used as a squad player by Jokanovic but after impressing in the pre-season, he should get a chance. He showed in pre-season that his positioning and off the ball movement are quite good and with the right service, he can find the back of the net.
Andre Schurrle (RW)
The former Chelsea man has joined Fulham on loan from Borussia Dortmund. He had struggled badly for the entire year at the Westfalenstadion, starting only 12 games where he scored once. Coming back to London gives him a fresh start and a chance to revive his career at the Craven Cottage.
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Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST)
The 23-year-old Serb found the back of the net 12 times in 17 starts for Fulham in the Championship last season. The Fulham board have got their talisman back from Newcastle, this time on a permanent transfer. If Fulham are to survive the relegation this season, a lot depends on Mitrovic.