11th Aug 2013 | Football
Fulham 2013-14 Preview
The Cottagers crumbled once they reached 40 points last season and they need to hit the ground running to restore belief.
Best odds to finish top 10: 11/4 (Betfred)
Last season: 12th
Reasons for hope:
Dimitar Berbatov remains a box-office striker who can virtually keep a side away from a relegation fight all on his own; arguably that happened last campaign to some extent. Adel Taarabt is the summer signing that will have the fans buzzing after making his way over from Loftus Road.
Potential bet: Martin Jol to still be in charge on last day of the season: 10/11 (StanJames)
Reasons to worry:
The Cottagers had a shocking end to 2012-13 that saw them take one point from seven games before they eventually won at Swansea on the final day. An over-dependence on Berbatov is there for all to see and Taarabt is perhaps as likely to cause disruption as he is to produce match-winning turns.
Potential bet: Fulham to be relegated - 7/1 (BetVictor)
Verdict:
The terrible end to last season means that Martin Jol needs a fast start to appease his new boss and the fans. Nobody lost more home games than Fulham did last term (9) and I think a surprise relegation fight could beckon.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 22:44 11th Aug, 2013 but subject to change
