Football Season Guide

A mediocre 2025/26 season ended with Fulham securing yet another mid-table finish under Marco Silva. Only four teams recorded more home victories than the Cottagers, who struggled on the road, winning just four of their 19 matches. Starting forwards Raúl Jiménez and Harry Wilson, who combined for 40 percent of Fulham’s league goals from last season, departed the club. Alvaro Arbeloa has succeeded Silva, whose five-year tenure ended this summer, and brought with him two Real Madrid prodigies in Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios. It’s doubtful whether Arbeloa is a Premier League calibre coach, having only coached in Real Madrid’s youth ranks before taking over the seniors following Xabi Alonso’s departure midway through last season. He’s expected to retain the 4-2-3-1 formation, but fans will hope that he can bring a more aggressive style that has been missing over the last few years. Despite the departure of Sasa Lukic, Fulham have strength and quality in midfield. Throw talented Shea Charles into the mix, and Arbeloa has all the ingredients needed to build a strong midfield unit. If Fulham are to mount a push for European football, strengthening the flanks should be a priority. Wilson’s exit has left Arbeloa short of options out wide, with only Oscar Bobb and Kevin currently available. Improving their away form will also be crucial after a difficult campaign on the road last season.