Last term's Premier League table shows Fulham in the bottom half. Yet with one more goal against an already-relegated Wolves in their penultimate match, the Cottagers would have qualified for the Europa League in seventh, so you'd think they are in a good position to push on.
Instead, Marco Silva has left for Benfica.
Alvaro Arbeloa agreed to replace him in late June, subject to a work permit, after a debut managerial spell in which his side defeated Manchester City 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League. There is the question, however, of whether coaching Real Madrid Castilla, and then their first team for just four months, can prepare him for a season of struggle in England.
Is this the season that the Cottagers achieve European football, or even cup success? Fulham 2026-27 season preview
Yes: struggle. Potentially. Fulham can't let Silva's years of mid-table security make them complacent, because Arbeloa inherits a squad that needs work. Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez scored or assisted 57 per cent of Fulham's goals last term; both have left the club. Josh King, 19, and Oscar Bobb, 23, look primed for big seasons, at least. Any new manager comes with risks, of course, as Fulham know from previous hires.
And being less busy than the nine English teams in Europe – where Fulham want to be – will help Arbeloa. He could target a cup run, for fans of a club who've visited Wembley only for play-off finals in the past 50 years. But beware: the water may be rising on the banks of the Thames.
The Coach
Alvaro Arbeloa is a gamble, but an exciting one. Having cut his coaching teeth with Real Madrid's Under-14s, U19s and Castilla before a short stint with the senior team, he prefers a possession-based game with high pressing, intensity and the desire to dominate matches.
Key Player
Ryan Sessegnon has shown glimpses since his return to Fulham in 2024, but – at 26 – he has the potential for much more. He can play further forward and have more of an impact if Antonee Robinson's fitness allows the American to play regularly at left-back.
Last Season's Results
PREMIER LEAGUE: 11th
FA CUP: Fifth Round
LEAGUE CUP: Quarter-finals
Top Scorer
Harry Wilson bagged 11 goals in all competitions for Fulham last season, and is one of the Premier League's cleanest ball-strikers.
The Welshman was even spoken of as being in contention for PFA Players' Player of the Year, heading into the season's later stages.
Unfortunately, both him and veteran bagsman Jimenez left the club this summer.
Lessons From Last Year
Turn up on the road. Only four teams won more home games than Fulham (11), but only Leeds, Burnley and Wolves recorded fewer away wins than their four.
We get it: Craven Cottage is nice, especially under the lights. But just two extra points would have taken Fulham into the Europa League with fond memories of 2009-10's epic run to the final, so making life harder for hosts must be a priority.
Most Likely To...
Lose his shorts during the game: Calvin Bassey. Fulham's all-white kit exposed how low the defender wears his shorts – at times, there were fears he might lose them completely. Adidas sent him some footwear with the note, “Eyes on the boots, not the glutes.” Cheeky.
Least Likely To...
Score a goal: Sander Berge. The Norwegian midfielder's last goal came at Craven Cottage in 2023 – when he was playing for Burnley. Although 15 shots last season was a dozen more than in 2024-25, he rarely threatens even from set pieces, despite being 6ft 4in.
View From The Stands
Words by: JACK STROUDLEY @J_Strudders
Last season was a feeling of what could have been, despite being poor for large parts of the season.
The big talking point is Arbeloa coming in. Did he struggle at Real Madrid due to it being a poisoned chalice, or will this be an appointment to forget?
I won't be happy unless we qualify for Europe or have a trip to Wembley. Things feel a bit stagnant.
Our key player will be Oscar Bobb. He joined us in January and I think this is the season he kicks on for us on the right wing.
Look out for Kevin. The big-money signing found his feet late last season.
The opposition player I'd love here is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, for some creativity in midfield.
The ground I'm least looking forward to visiting is the Etihad. Fulham haven't won any of the last 26 meetings against Manchester City, losing the last 20, and it's beyond boring now.
A social media account to follow is @jackellyffc, a brilliant independent Fulham journalist.
The departing player I'm saddest about is Harry Wilson, a magnificent servant to the club, who has left us on a free transfer to Leeds right at the peak of his powers.
Fans think our owner is sleepwalking. The Khans' inability to plan long-term is making fans restless.
The best thing about matchdays at our ground is the country's best walk to a football stadium: through Bishops Park to the Cottage.
We'll finish 10th… with a day out at Wembley.
Fixtures
AUGUST
24 Chelsea (H)
29 Sunderland (A)
SEPTEMBER
5 Crystal Palace (H)
12 Liverpool (A)
19 Man United (H)
OCTOBER
10 Ipswich (A)
17 Hull City (H)
24 Coventry (A)
31 Aston Villa (A)
NOVEMBER
7 Newcastle (H)
21 Man City (A)
28 Bournemouth (H)
DECEMBER
2 Tottenham (A)
5 Everton (A)
12 Brentford (H)
19 Leeds (A)
26 Brighton (H)
30 Arsenal (H)
JANUARY
2 Nott'm Forest (A)
6 Tottenham (H)
16 Newcastle (A)
23 Aston Villa (H)
30 Bournemouth (A)
FEBRUARY
6 Man City (H)
10 Nott'm Forest (H)
20 Arsenal (A)
27 Leeds (H)
MARCH
3 Brighton (A)
13 Crystal Palace (A)
20 Liverpool (H)
APRIL
10 Chelsea (A)
17 Sunderland (H)
24 Brentford (A)
MAY
1 Everton (H)
8 Ipswich (H)
15 Hull City (A)
23 Coventry (H)
30 Man United (A)
Title Odds
Fulham to win the Premier League title odds: 500/1
FFT Verdict
FourFourTwo verdict: Fulham to finish 15th.
There's a chance Marco Silva's fine work will be appreciated only now, because Fulham's squad requires upgrades in midfield and attack. A hard pre-internationals schedule won't help his replacement, either.
This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.
