Fulham predicted lineup for Premier League 2024-25
The Cottagers will gear up to push and qualify for the European spots.
Fulham FC ended up in the bottom half of Premier League 2023-24 as they managed a 13th-place finish come the end of the season. The West London outfit also had a dismal fortune in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
They managed to go to the fourth round of the FA Cup before losing to Newcastle United. Fulham were knocked out on the slightest of margins in the Carabao Cup semi-finals in a 2-3 loss to Liverpool as they went the closest to glory in this competition.
Before the start of the season, they also lost star player Joao Palhinha but managed to rope in another promising talent in Emile Smith-Rowe. Former wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon has returned to the club as well and manager Marco Silva has promised the fans that they aren’t done with their transfers yet.
As of now let’s see where they stand and what could be Fulham FC’s predicted lineup for the upcoming Premier League 2024-25:
Predicted Formation (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
Former Arsenal keeper, Bernd Leno played every game for the Cottagers in Premier League 2023-24 with 3,420 minutes in the bag. The German finished fourth for most saves in the league with 134 to his name and also helped his side keep 10 clean sheets. It’s easy to name him as Fulham’s starting shot-stopper for their opener against Manchester United and for the rest of the season.
Right-Back: Timothy Castagne
Despite having a low return in terms of shot-creating actions, ball carries, or take-ons Castagne remains the best alternative among the more attacking but unpredictable Kenny Tete and Kevin Mbabu. The Belgian did manage three assists in the league and is defensively resolute (59% tackle win rate as per fbref.com) despite possessing lesser speed than his other competitors.
Centre-Back: Calvin Bassey
Nigerian center-half Calvin Bassey likes to play on the front foot and had a solid 72% tackle-win rate last season. He scored once and is comfortable in possession, averaging 57 passes per match. Despite an almost guaranteed starting spot, Bassey must heed his discipline since he was booked four times and sent off once in Premier League 2023-24.
Centre-Back: Issa Diop
Diop was in good form last season, managing to win a stupendous 75% of his tackles for the Cottagers. The Frenchman didn’t hesitate to sweep dangerous balls as he also executed 80 clearances and was alert at the back. Silva will no doubt resort to him once again this season.
Left-Back: Antonee Robinson
Robinson was one of Fulham’s standout players last season, especially in the later stages. The rapid left-back ranks 7th for most tackles on the Premier League 2023-24 charts with 93 duels attempted. Robinson was also in the thick of the action as he sped down the left flank and assisted six goals, so fans can expect him to start ahead of returning boyhood sensation, Ryan Sessegnon.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Harrison Reed
Reed’s budding partnership last season with Sasa Lukic was a reassurance that Fulham don’t need Palhinha as badly as others may think. While Reed might look to be a deep-lying playmaker, he played most of the season as a combative number eight, putting out fires in midfield and bombing up the pitch to initiate attacks. This season might see him play a little deeper but have a similar role.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Sasa Lukic
While the former Torino man is a little different than Reed, he excels at winning second balls and launching attacks on the transitional phase. Lukic won 46.2 % of his tackles too alongside generating 2.17 shot-creating actions per 90. Combining with Reed in midfield, they might have to fill in the void left by Palhinha, but they can do a commendable job surely.
Right Midfielder: Harry Wilson
Wilson scored six goals for Fulham last season, coming in from the right; four in the Premier League and one each in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. The left-footed Welsh attacker was also a direct and creative threat, with six assists to his name. Moreover, his participation and involvement in the team’s goals were what might lead him to be preferred ahead of speedster Adama Traore this season.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Emile Smith-Rowe
Another side to Palhinha’s departure would be the club-record signing of attacking midfielder and former Gunner Emile Smith-Rowe. The Cottagers cashed out a club-record £34 million for the creative number 10 and will expect him to slot right into the starting lineup. Tactically his combination with Reed, Lukic, Wilson and Iwobi could see enough transitions to confuse even the best of opponents, and Smith-Rowe has already proven his lethality as a finisher earlier with Arsenal.
Left Midfielder: Alex Iwobi
Another former Gunner, Alex Iwobi has been another important player for Fulham despite only joining last season. Iwobi scored six goals for the Cottagers, five in the Premier League and one in the Carabao Cup, in the 2023-24 season. His directness has given the West London side an advantage and they no longer have to sit back and wait for an opportunity to open up as Iwobi’s penetrative passes aid them.
Striker: Rodrigo Muniz
In a roster filled with experienced attackers like Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius, Rodrigo Muniz will be assured of a starting place. Why? Because, he was the club’s leading goalscorer, with nine goals in the league last season. The Brazilian striker has everything the Cottagers might need from him; pace, dribbling, accurate finishing- you name it.
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