Premier League Preview: Fulham

Last season Fulham, despite finishing 12th, would have been disappointed with their season. Never fully clear of the relegation zone and fully reliant on Dimitar Berbatov, fans were disappointed and will be looking for a top half finish this year.

Martin Jol has spent wisely in the transfer market. The permanent signing of Sascha Riether after his fantastic loan spell last year is a brilliant acquisition by Jol and he followed this by adding another five players scattered around the park. Maarten Stekelenburg was another smart purchase, bought in to replace long-term goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Last season was largely unforgettable for Fulham fans. No cup run and little to shout about in the league left them with a considerably unremarkable season. Jol will be looking to ensure that Fulham are not sucked into a relegation scrap and the strengthening of the squad should ensure that this does not happen. However, with  the oldest average squad age in the League it will be a priority to ensure some youngsters are brought in for future seasons to ensure they don't get dragged back in.

Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov - Without a doubt Fulham's star man. Not the hardest working player but Berbatov's first touch and technique are outstanding. The issue might be that Fulham are largely dependent on their key player and should he drop out of form or get injured they might be in a bit of trouble.

One to Watch: Bryan Ruiz - Whilst Berbatov often steals the limelight, Ruiz is a very talented footballer who has not quite lived up to expectations at Fulham. An extremely talented player, Ruiz can be played either as a winger or striker, and after a strong pre-season the fans will be expecting him to support Berbatov up front.

Best Summer Signing: Sascha Riether - The best piece of business Fulham could realistically have done this summer. After a fantastic season on loan scooping up the Players' Player of the Season award at Fulham it was vital that they resigned their right back.

Last Season: 12th


Pre-Season Prediction: 11th - Despite improving their squad, teams around them have also improved and there will be little change for Fulham this season.