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In his debut column on Prost International, Kartik Krishnaiyer assesses the chances of the three promoted sides; Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.<\/p>\n
Broadcaster and author Kartik Krishnaiyer becomes PINT\u2019s second guest columnist<\/a><\/p>\n Last season, 2021 Promotion playoff winners Brentford surprised many by finishing lower mid-table, but the two automatically promoted teams in Norwich and Watford went right back down with a whimper. As time goes on and financial gaps widen between not only the top flight and the Championship but within both divisions, the advent of yo-yo teams is likely to continue.<\/p>\n The Cottagers have now garnered the reputation of a yo-yo side. Grant me a moment as an American to relish the return of Fulham to the top flight of English football, as one of the peculiarities of the game in this country is that you find Fulham fans everywhere, and are more likely to stumble upon one than upon a West Ham, Aston Villa or Newcastle supporter in this nation.<\/p>\n Fulham\u2019s last promotion came under Scott Parker, a decorated former player who had effectively drilled the side into playing organized, yet highly unattractive football.<\/p>\n Fulham\u2019s promotion playoff final victory over Brentford at Wembley (side note: How cool was a West London Derby at Wembley even if there were no fans due to COVID?) was met with derision by many experts who felt the Bees were more prepared to compete in the Premier League – a view that proved credible based on Fulham\u2019s relegation the next season, followed by Brentford\u2019s promotion and strong first season in the top flight.<\/p>\n In hindsight, Fulham\u2019s fate was sealed in both of its most recent promotions by handling the summer poorly – in 2019, Fulham overspent virtually buying a new squad. In 2021, they spent late and while Parker got many of the players he wanted, he had no time to effectively change the style of play and develop continuity.<\/p>\n Marco Silva\u2019s Fulham side were among the most watchable anywhere in England in the 2021-22 campaign. Aleksandar Mitrovi\u0107 is often derided for being incapable of replicating his Championship success in the Premier League, but in Silva, he has a manager whose system plays to his strengths.<\/p>\n He will be fine. Mitrovi\u0107 may well be one of best pure number nine\u2019s anywhere in English football right now. If you don\u2019t believe that, check out his recent contributions for the Serbian National Team, who went from missing a 24-team Euros, to being one of only ten automatic UEFA qualifiers for this winter\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n Speaking of internationals playing at a high level, Welsh midfielder Harry Wilson who has been a maestro for various Championship squads on loan from Liverpool has been signed permanently,. This is a big boost. for Silva. In Silva\u2019s system, central defenders are key and they are not of a Premier League standard currently, but with a core that\u2019s fought the battles before, and a manager with a clear system that works with this group, there is cause for optimism that the Cottagers stay in the division this go-round.<\/p>\n For a more local view, I contacted Louis, the founder of FulhamFanTV<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here is his perspective:<\/p>\n “It\u2019s going to be a difficult season For Fulham but with the right tactics and solid recruitment it could be a very positive season.<\/p>\n “Fulham will need to strengthen a few key positions especially back in defence, a new CB will give the squad more solidarity and confidence. This should in turn help the whole squad.<\/p>\n “The signing of Williams on a permanent deal should be high priority given how well he seamlessly fit into the squad.<\/p>\n “Fulham should look to continue the style of play into the new season, building on an already solid foundation.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n The Cherries were a slick side as built by Eddie Howe and his longtime number two Jason Tindall, both former Bournemouth players who had a clear playing style and preference for a certain type of player.<\/p>\n The squad punched above their weight for years and were relegated on the final day of the COVID-impacted 2019-20 season.<\/p>\n Scott Parker moved from Fulham to Bournemouth in the summer of 2021 and while he got the Cherries back up, Lloyd Kelly stood out as Parker\u2019s efforts to build a defense solidity as a platform for promotion were successful. But the side needs more consistency from its midfield which has several intriguing pieces and tends to build-up attacks slowly, not that different from the Howe-era, but with a much more robust defensive shape.<\/p>\n One of my overriding concerns about The Cherries is the sheer number of players they have on the books, including many veterans who would expect playing time. It should also be noted for Premier League fans who loved to deride his performances when a teenager, that Dominic Solanke has really come good the last two seasons in the Championship, and at 24 is entering his prime years. But does that always matter? Generally it doesn’t, and the Cherries were too inconsistent for me at times last season. Still, they have a good chance at survival and Parker despite seeing Fulham relegated two seasons ago, impressed with his in-match tactical acumen that season, that often rescued points or turned potential losses into draws. That will be key for Bournemouth this season.<\/p>\n
\nIn the period from 2018 to 2021 each season a newly promoted side from the Championship finished in the top half of the Premier League. Wolves seventh place finish in 2018-19 was followed up by Sheffield United\u2019s eight place finish in the COVID-interrupted 2019-20 season and Leeds United finishing 9th in the 2020-21 season.<\/h2>\n
Fulham<\/strong><\/h3>\n
AFC Bournemouth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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“Bournemouth on paper have the best squad of the three coming up”<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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\nBournemouth on paper have the best squad of the three coming up.<\/p>\n