In Focus: Has Mitrovic still Cott what it takes to save Fulham?
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Sam McGuire
LiveScore
09/04/202108:00

Fulham have tried to play their way out of a relegation battle but find themselves three points from safety having played a game more than fellow strugglers Newcastle. 

Scott Parker’s side have lost four of the last five and have scored just three goals in that period. 

In fact, Fulham’s return of 24 goals in 31 matches is the second lowest in the Premier League, with doomed Sheffield United the only team to have managed fewer. 

With goals being the only route to survival, now might be the time to get Aleksandar Mitrovic back in the mix full-time. 

Ahead of tonight's crucial clash with Wolves at Craven Cottage, we turn the spotlight on a striker who could turn out to be the club's savour. 

Form player

The Serbian powerhouse impressed for his country during the international break, scoring twice in the win over the Republic of Ireland, including a sublime 30-yard lob.

An emphatic header against Portugal followed as Dragan Stojkovic’s side came from 2-0 down to claim a point, while Mitrovic, 26, rounded off his time with Serbia with a brace against Azerbaijan. 

Those five goals showcased the sort of player he is. 

From nonchalant chips to powerful finishes, the former Newcastle man is not a one-trick pony. He is a goal threat, no matter the situation. 

Alexsandar Mitrovic was on target against Aston Villa
Alexsandar Mitrovic was on target against Aston Villa

Blunt attack

Fulham average roughly 11 shots per 90 minutes this season with just 3.81 hitting the target.

That is the 15th-worst record in the top flight, so it is not hard to see where their problems lie.

Yet against Villa they racked up 15 shots, seven of which were on target. 

The Cottagers also attempted more long passes and fewer dribbles — a by-product of having a focal point in attack. 

Parker’s men imploded late on, conceding three goals in 12 minutes. However, that should not detract from what was a far more positive attacking performance. 

Impact player

With Fulham struggling for goals, Parker could not ignore the international form of his No9 and handed Mitrovic his first start since the beginning of February. 

He scored the opener at Villa Park and posed a threat throughout, taking five shots — a third of Fulham’s total — and landing four on target.

Of those, three arrived in the opening eight minutes and his impact on Fulham's attack was evident. 

Scott Parker needs more goals from his players
Scott Parker needs more goals from his players

Manager's backing

Speaking afterwards, Cottagers boss Parker singled Mitrovic out for praise. He said: "I thought he was brilliant. Very pleased with his all-round game.

"Mitro and everyone else will judge him for his goals. I will judge him for his general play and his work ethic for the team and I thought he was exceptional in that."

Shaping an attack around Mitrovic could be the best opportunity for Fulham in the final few matches — especially if Ademola Lookman’s hamstring injury rules him out for the rest of the season. 

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It is clear Parker is not completely sold on the idea of Mitrovic as his leading striker. That is why he has been a sub for two-thirds of the season. 

But he remains a valuable asset. If Fulham are to rebuild next season and perhaps turn some of their loan signings into permanent deals, they might need to cash in on the Serbian. 

At worst, giving Mitrovic more opportunities in the final weeks of the season could add a couple of million to his price tag. 

At best, it will keep Fulham in the Premier League. 

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FulhamPremier League
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