Fulham team
Fulham will be under pressure to justify the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic with their performance when they play host to Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.
It will be the first time that the Cottagers take the field under Claudio Ranieri and they will be looking to build on the positives from that 2-0 defeat against Liverpool before the international break.
The Cottagers are currently bottom of the table in the relegation zone and the onus will be on Ranieri to turn defeats into victories.
Southampton played out a 1-1 draw against Watford in their last game and Mark Hughes’ men will be looking to claim all thee points to climb higher up the standings.
Ranieri won’t have too many injuries to contend with in his first game. Left-back Joe Bryan and midfielder Kevin McDonald are the only notable absentees due to injuries.
He made some fantastic saves against Liverpool in the previous game and should continue as the No.1 between the sticks.
The Frenchman showed significant signs of improvement in the last game and looked a lot more assured at the back.
He looked comfortable in possession against Liverpool and did a decent job at the back.
His strength, physicality and tackling are invaluable assets to Fulham’s backline and Ranieri will be hoping that he can put in a solid shift.
The Irishman was caught out numerous times at the back by Liverpool’s attackers but the manager has little choice for that position.
The former Arsenal man did a commendable job playing as a holding midfielder against Liverpool and Ranieri should continue to use him in that role.
The Cameroonian wasn’t at the top of his game against Liverpool but the new manager should give him another opportunity.
He is one of the mainstays of Fulham’s attack and will need to step up his game if the Cottagers are to have a positive start to life under Ranieri.
The youngster showed a lot of promise against Liverpool, causing problems for the opposition with his pace and flair but he needs to work on his finishing.
He is Fulham’s midfield talisman and will need to show significant improvement to add substance to their attack.
The Serbian has shown how dangerous he can be with his physicality, aerial prowess and hold-up play and he will be Fulham’s best bet to deliver the goods in front of goal.