Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic
Fulham made the headlines in the summer transfer window with some mega-money signings but so far, they have flattered to deceive. Although the new recruits have shown flashes of their brilliance at times, Fulham have lacked consistency in the Premier League.
Slavisa Jokanovic’s men have managed only a solitary win from their first seven games. Consequently, the Cottagers find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table and they need to improve on their performances if they are to have any chance of surviving relegation this season.
Fulham, once again, promised a lot in the 3-0 loss to Everton last weekend but their lack of concentration at crucial moments lead to their undoing as a unit.
However, it will be interesting to see how the manager reassembles his team when they play host to Arsenal on Sunday. The Gunners come to Craven Cottage with an eight-match winning streak and the Cottagers must be at the top of their game to get something out of this tie.
Neeskens Kebano continues to be on the sidelines to nurse his ankle injury while left-back Joe Bryan and right-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah both suffered injuries in the previous outing and are ruled out for the game on Sunday.
Jokanovic will be forced to make a couple of changes to cover for the absentees.
The academy graduate has grown in confidence with regular starts this season and the manager should persist with him.
The Irishman came off the bench to replace the injured Fosu-Mensah in the last game and did well which should earn him a starting place on Sunday.
The Belgian has let the team down at times with lapses in concentration but he is one of the best that Fulham have at the moment.
He looked comfortable in possession and presented himself as a reliable presence at the back against Everton. Jokanovic should hand him another start.
The youngster put up a good performance going forward and looked solid in the defence in the previous outing. Jokanovic should shift him back to the left-back position to cover for the absence of Joe Bryan.
The Ivorian teased the fans with glimpses of his brilliance in the last game and he must pay the dividends on Sunday.
He made a few strong challenges in the midfield and covered spaces quickly. He should be handed another start against Arsenal.
He came off the bench in the last game and looked quite comfortable. He could play a key role on Sunday.
The Argentine made a good start to the season but has gone through a couple of quiet games. However, the manager should persist with him since he can be a handful with his goals and assists.
The German didn’t flourish in a No. 10 role in the previous game and the manager should shift him back to the flanks.
He has been the key to Fulham’s successes and will be expected to power the team to a positive result against Arsenal.