Premier League team guide: Fulham in the spotlight

Fulham will hope an unsettling summer does not halt the momentum generated during last season's impressive return to the top flight.

The Cottagers could still lose Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is a target for Saudi club Al-Hilal, while Willian's future is unclear despite signing a new one-year deal last month.

But boss Marco Silva is staying put and he is the key to the club's chances of securing survival for a second consecutive campaign.

Last season: 10th

Fulham's rout of the Championship in 2021-22 set them up nicely for the Premier League but a top-half finish was beyond what even the most optimistic fans believed they were capable of.

Silva's side were impressive from the off, kick-starting Liverpool's decline in a 2-2 draw on the opening weekend of the season, before six wins from nine after the World Cup break saw them settle in the upper echelons of the table.

Key to their success was Mitrovic, who followed up his 43-goal Championship campaign with another 14 from 24 league appearances last term.

Keeping hold of the Serbian striker could be the difference between another strong campaign and a dose of reality.

New faces

Fulham have made two major additions to their squad this summer.

Former Rangers defender Calvin Bassey has joined from Ajax and could replace Tosin Adarabioyo, who has been linked with Tottenham and Monaco.

And striker Raul Jimenez was snapped up from Wolves — fuelling speculation that Mitrovic could leave.

Willian also re-signed for the club but could yet leave for Saudi Arabia, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Demarai Gray are reportedly targets before the transfer window slams shut.

One to watch: Bernd Leno

Bernd Leno was one of the signings of last season, with his shot-stopping and distribution a key feature of Fulham's strong campaign.

Silva's side conceded a higher expected goals figure than any other team yet let in the 11th fewest goals — a decent indicator of having a solid goalkeeper between the sticks.

Leno, 31, made the most saves from shots inside the box in the Premier League and the fifth-most sweeper keeper actions in the league.

Maintaining those standards will be crucial to his side's chances.

The boss

Silva, 46, was targeted by Saudi side Al-Ahli earlier this summer but turned down a lucrative move to remain at Craven Cottage. 

His work in West London has seen him rebuild his reputation in England after a disappointing spell at Everton — and another strong campaign could see him coveted by Europe's biggest clubs.

Known for his micro-management style, Silva is the epitome of the modern, progressive manager.

Never taking a backward step, his side should continue to be one of the entertainers this season.