Tuesday, August 7, 2012

FPLZ 2012/13 Season Preview: Fulham F.C.


Fulham F.C.
Fulham captain Hangeland showing the club's
new kit for this coming season.

You can download the full analyzed squad data here.
Password: http://p-fplz.blogspot.com/

Last Season: Jol's Reformation
As expected Martin Jol has made Fulham's style more offensive, a stark contrast from Roy Hodgson's version of the Cottagers. That was reflected in Fulham's goals conceded (51) figure, which is the highest since 2007/08 season (60). Despite that, they were still able to achieve their second best season in the Premier League, with only one point shy from equalling 2008/09 season of 53 points.

This Summer: Big Renovation
Massive personnel changes are undergoing at Craven Cottage, which include the departure of captain Danny Murphy (to Blackburn) and striker Andrew Johnson (to QPR). Going the opposite way are ex-FPL favourite Hugo Rodallega (from Wigan), Croatian international Mladen Petric (from Hamburger SV) and full-back Sascha Riether.

Meanwhile, Fulham's ace Clinton Dempsey is heavily linked with Liverpool. However the two clubs can hardly make an agreement on his valuation.

Upcoming Season: Transition Period
Things are looking quite uncertain for Fulham this season with so much of players moving in and out. I believe this will be the season where Jol starts to mould more of his style into Fulham's play, and it could really go to either ends for now. Second year is always the toughest, for both players and managers.

Dempsey's stats last season.
The Chieftain: Dempsey (FI: 0.794)
Definitely a fantastic season for Clint Dempsey (£9.5m) where the midfielder reached 200 point milestone for the first time in his fantasy career. Very out of my expectations to see a star from a medium-sized club to perform to such extent.

Nonetheless, Dempsey is overpriced this season in my opinion. With the acquisition of Rodallega and Petric, the American will have less time featuring as a "false nine", thus limiting his goal opportunities. I do not see much value in him unless he moves to Liverpool.

Hot Stuff: Petric (FI: N/A)
Hard to say how well Mladen Petric (£6.0m) will fare this season, but the lad has shown incredible form in pre-season, scoring 5 goals in 4 games.

The Croatian has a track record of 38 goals in 98 appearances for Hamburger SV, which translates to 1 goal in about every 2.5 games. It deviates a lot with Petric's current form, so fantasy managers should take time and observe before making a move for him. Would not be too bad as a third forward though with his affordable price.

Worth An Eye: Rodallega (FI: 0.271)
Interesting move by Fulham to acquire Hugo Rodallega (£6.0m), whom Roberto Martinez had lost faith on him last season.

Rodallega was a hit 3 seasons back, where he scored 149 points at a fantasy friendly price of £5-6m. Unfortunately, it was a down slope track ever since, and the lad had only played for 1257 minutes last season as he failed to impress Martinez.

Still, the Colombian has the potential and a move to Craven Cottage could revive the spark beneath him to perform. A man that worth to keep an eye for.

Cost Effective: Diarra (FI: 0.642)
It surprises me when FPLZ Index shows that winter purchase Mahamadou Diarra (£5.0m) ranks third among Fulham's list of players, behind of Dempsey and another winter joiner Pavel Pogrebnyak (he has joined Reading anyway).

The Malian has a P90 of 4.57 last season, which was impressive compared to his low price. His experience in Real Madrid and AS Monaco should help him to perform well again in this new season. Definitely not a bad choice as a fifth midfielder in your team.

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