Fulham’s fast start could see them finally secure Premier League survival

When looking back to the start of the Premier League season, Fulham looked dead certain to face a third relegation in six seasons. Dubbed something of a yo-yo club for their inability to sustain top-flight status, the Cottagers have been a figure of inconsistency since their initial relegation almost a decade ago.

Then, a disastrous season which saw three different managers try and salvage a sinking ship in west London ended in relegation, which was strange at the time as Fulham had been a Premier League stalwart, but things finally look like returning to normal as far as the Cottagers and betting Premier League odds are concerned.

Having won the Championship, many at Craven Cottage were optimistic about their side’s chances of finally staying up. Marco Silva had built a goalscoring machine that could rival the best sides in the history of the second tier. However, the loss of Fábio Carvalho would have been a bitter blow. The Portugal international, who came through the ranks at Fulham’s academy, was a key cog in Silva’s engine, and it’s hard to replace such raw potential for a paltry £4 million compensation after he joined Liverpool. Ironically, it would be the Reds that Fulham would face on the opening day.

Salvaging a draw despite potentially warranting all three points was all the encouragement Fulham needed. Silva reassured everyone his side can beat the drop and at the time of writing, they find themselves flying in the dizzy heights of sixth in the table. Granted, we’re only seven games in but the Cottagers have all the makings of a sustainable Premier League outfit, here’s how we think they can beat the drop.

Keep Mitro scoring

At the hub of Fulham’s brilliance is star striker Aleksandar Mitrović. The Serbian bagged a record-breaking 43 goals last season, but many doubted his ability to replicate those performances in the Premier League. Initially a Newcastle player when he arrived in England, Mitrović was hot-headed and inconsistent, and those characteristics would go on to define his first season at Fulham when they were relegated in 2019. However, Mitrović has matured into a prolific goal scorer in recent years and now 28 years old, is up there in the scoring charts for the Golden Boot. With six goals already this season, popping up in the big games as well as converting from the penalty spot, it will be interesting to see what his individual tally looks like come the end of the season.

Utilise the home crowd

You get the sense that if Fulham are to survive, their home crowd can go a long way to influencing things. The opening day proved just that, as Liverpool were overwhelmed in large parts of the game, and were fortunate to walk away with a draw.

Despite an encouraging performance away at Arsenal, a game they took the lead in, the Gunners were able to claw their way back but one does wonder had the game been 10 miles along the banks of the River Thames, whether Fulham could have held out for a win. Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Everton are all next to visit Craven Cottage, providing Silva’s side with a chance to pull away from the other potential relegation candidates before the World Cup winter break.

Continue shrewd recruitment

In years gone by Fulham have had a tendency of signing players based on big names rather than their role in the side. It’s often led to a dressing room of mixed personalities and a lack of cohesion. However, Silva seems to have nailed things this time around. João Palhinha has provided security in front of the defence and looks a steal at £17 million, while Bernd Leno, Andreas Pereira and Dan James represent Premier League experience. The dressing room looks to be in a good place at the moment, and that could be the difference between relegation and survival at the business end of the season.