Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers started the season with a lot of expectations following their respective remarkable summer transfer windows. While the Wolves, aided by their connections with super-agent Jorge Mendes formed a team with a core of quality Portuguese players, Fulham splashed near about £100m in the market.
But the two have had contrasting starts. Wolves have kicked on and are currently in the 7th position, level on points with Arsenal, having played a game more. They have been beaten just once and have taken points off both the Manchester clubs.
Fulham, on the other hand, have won just once and are currently languishing in the 17th position with a match against Arsenal looming on the horizon. To be fair, Fulham haven’t looked out of place. They have been impressive going forward with the likes of Mitrovic, Sessegnon, Vietto and Schurrle but defensively they have been all over the place. They have conceded 16 goals in 7 games and are yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
TEAM NEWS
Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Joe Bryan will miss out tomorrow. But Alfie Mawson has recovered from a back issue and will be fit to face the Gunners.
PREDICTED FULHAM LINEUP TO FACE ARSENAL
FORMATION: 4-3-3
DEFENCE
Bettinelli will start in goal. The Englishman has not been supported by his defence, but regardless, he has to step up in some key moments at this level.
With a couple of injuries in the fullback department, Jokanovic might go with the duo of Cyrus Christie and Ryan Sessegnon. The latter has not been as impactful in the top-flight yet, but given his age, Fulham won’t be fretting too much about it. He seems to be growing in confidence and has the quality to hurt Arsenal on the flank.
Central defence has been a cause of concern for Fulham. Tim Ream and Denis Odoi haven’t managed to keep things together at the back. Alfie Mawson is someone who might be considered by the manager, and we can see the former Swansea City star line up alongside Tim Ream tomorrow.
MIDFIELD
Tom Cairney‘s availability is not yet certain, but given the importance of the match, he is likely to start. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Jean Michael Seri will be joining him to complete the midfield trio. The quality on offer is clear, and the fans hope they get clicking sooner rather than later.
ATTACK
Andre Schurrle played in a No.10 role against Everton and delivered four key passes, but he will shift to the flank if Jokanovic opts for the more familiar 4-3-3. Mitrovic will play through the middle and will hope to get back on the score sheet while Vietto is expected to start on the left flank.
BETTINELLI
CHRISTIE- REAM- MAWSON- SESSEGNON
CAIRNEY- ZAMBO ANGUISSA- SERI
SCHURRLE- MITROVIC- VIETTO
