Scott Parker and the boys at Fulham were brought back down to earth this afternoon against fellow promotion rivals from last season Wolves.
Although the home side were almost guaranteed seventh place, they still showed desire and ambition to dominate the match. On several occasions, the Fulham goal was peppered by near misses and another good display by Sergio Rico in the Fulham goal.
It took 75 minutes though for Wolves to score the only goal of the game when Dendoncker hit a smart half-volley into the bottom corner of Rico’s goal, after being left unmarked by the Fulham defence. The result does show much improvement by the away side’s defence, as earlier in the season Wolves would have scored a handful of goals. Fulham were shown the strength and work rate needed every game if they want to follow in Wolves footsteps.
Looking ahead to next season and the players that will probably be with the Cottagers, this is how they could line up if no additions were made:
Bettinelli, Christie, Ream, Mawson, Bryan, Odoi, McDonald, Cairney, Anguissa, Kebano, Ayite.
That is presuming we lost Ryan Sessegnon and Mitrovic. These would, of course, be first choice if we managed to hold onto them.
On the sidelines we would have: S.Sessegnon, Cisse, and young Elliott to call on. Would we be wise to bring Johansen and Kamara back from loans?
If R. Sessegnon and Mitro were to stay, I believe we would still need to add some more strength to the squad. Christie, in my opinion, would make a much better right-sided midfielder than a full back. We would, therefore, need another right back and a back-up for Bryan at left back. Another centre-half would be necessary and a tough tackling midfielder who can score some goals. Then it would depend on whether we still had the services of Sess and Mitro. If not, two quality strikers would be a must.
The following will be or should be released:
Rico, Fabri, Nordtveit, Le Marchand, Fosu-Mensah, Seri, Markovic, Schurrle, Vietto, Fonte
That only leaves Chambers, who I think was the best out of all the players brought in at the start of the season. Considering he was added to the squad as a centre-back, his move to midfield was a brilliant decision. Normally I do not believe in the honesty and work-rate of on-loan players. Chambers has been an exception, as he has shown total commitment to our club all season, and is arguably a contender for Fulham’s Player of the Year.
We will miss you Calum Chambers and thank you!
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