Martin Jol is in his second season as Fulham boss after guiding the Cottagers to ninth place last season. He’s had to contend with the troublesome issue of Clint Dempsey this summer as the American has virtually gone on strike and stated that he will never play for the club again. The Club’s most prized asset who was top scorer last season with 17 goals has been linked all summer with a move to Liverpool but as yet, he remains in London. Away from that, the club have signed two new strikers with Mladen Petric and Hugh Rodallega joining to bolster their attack. Both are likely to feature tomorrow and will be expected to form the sort of partnership that Dempsey had with Bobby Zamora for the last few seasons.
Norwich surprised many with a terrific 12th placed finish, after two consecutive promotions, in their first season in the Premier League since 2005. The manager responsible for all that success – Paul Lambert – is no longer at the club however after taking over at Aston Villa. Chris Hughton is the man tasked with building on the foundations laid by Lambert, and the former Newcastle and Birmingham manager has won his first battle by keeping hold of Grant Holt. The striker was looking to move at the beginning of the summer but has since signed a new contract following the arrival of his new coach. The Canaries have brought in several new players including Robert Snodgrass from Leeds. The Scottish forward brings further pace and attacking intent to the club which suggests that Hughton is going to continue where Lambert left off by employing two wingers and taking games to the opposition.
Fulham have been very strong at home in recent seasons and it has been the basis of their consistent league form. Jol has, however, change the style of their play by taking a more patient and technical approach to each game. The likes of Brian Ruiz and Moussa Dembele will be all the better for their first season in England but the signs were there last season that they are very able players.
It’s also difficult for sides to maintain the same level of performance in their second season since promotion. Hughton is a very sensible manager who is only too well aware of how ruthless the Premier League can be so he will be motivated to succeed to prove a point of his own. As a club, Norwich have to adapt to not being the ‘new boys’ and that could prove difficult.
Despite the impending loss of Dempsey Fulham look very strong this season and there seems to be a growing appreciation amongst the fans of what Jol is trying to do. They often start the season well at home and I believe they have enough to secure all three points tomorrow.
Fulham 17/20 @ BetVictor
