Team Focus: Premier League Preview Part 4 - Fulham and Hull
Martin Jol has clearly been keen to strengthen this summer after a very disappointing tail end of the season was somewhat disguised by an impressive 3-0 victory over Swansea on the final day. His side relied heavily on Dimitar Berbatov at times and when the elegant front man wasn't firing they often lacked a plan B in attack, despite the efforts of the impressive Bryan Ruiz.
It's fair to say that all five of their summer signings thus far could start, with Adel Taarabt representing the attacking addition that could make all the difference this season. If the temperamental Moroccan is on form he's unplayable at times, completing the third most dribbles (83) in the Premier League from just 31 appearances last season. However, when he's not in the mood - which has become all too regular since QPR's promotion to the top-flight - he can become a disruptive influence. Harnessing the 24-year old's talents will be key.
His arrival could stunt the progress of Fulham's best, and in truth only, young player to feature regularly last season Alex Kacaniklic. Most see Taarabt starting from the Swede's preferred position on the left, with Ruiz keeping his place behind Berbatov, while it's the right-flank that looks weaker, with Damien Duff ageing.
The Irishman is one of many first teamers on the wrong side of 30, but Taarabt is the only addition that adds any real youthful exuberance to the team thus far. Jol did trade in Schwarzer for younger model Maarten Stekelenburg in goal, and while the Dutchman was tipped as one of Europe's top young keepers in the past, he hit somewhat of a bump in the road at Roma and will be keen to get back on track.
Fernando Amorebieta may well be Fulham's most astute signing and will likely form a giant centre-back partnership with captain Brede Hangeland. In turn, Fulham's defensive record (60 goals conceded - their worst since finishing 17th in 2007/08) should improve. However, on the left side of defence, where they may need to be strongest due to Taarabt's reluctance to help out in that sense, Richardson and Riise may struggle.
The Cottagers will be compact once again, and in turn should avoid being dragged into the mire come the end of the season, defending deep away from home. They will need to improve on their form at the Cottage, previously a real strength, if they are to progress though - with no team losing more home games (9) last season.
Last Season: 12th
New Signings (at time of writing): Sascha Riether (Cologne), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao), Derek Boateng (Dnipro), Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma), Adel Taarabt (QPR - loan)
Possible Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Stekelenburg; Reither, Hangeland, Amorebieta, Richardson; Dejagah, Sidwell, Boateng, Taarabt; Ruiz; Berbatov
Predicted Finish (Average of Authors): 13th
Hull
Steve Bruce's side were undoubtedly the surprise package in the Championship last season, finishing the campaign in 2nd despite a run of 4 matches without a win at its end. They were by no means unbeatable in the second tier however, losing 15 games, but an ability to turn draws into narrow victories ensured their promotion. Indeed, 18 of their 24 league wins last season came by a single goal.
It seems odd to say about a promoted side, but Hull's problem last season was a lack of goals, with 13 sides netting more in the Championship (61). In turn it's no surprise to see that Bruce has looked to add fire power to his ranks, though whether they have brought in the desired quality in the form of Yannick Sagbo and Danny Graham is yet to be seen. The Frenchman netted just 6 goals in Ligue 1 last season but could get the nod over the Sunderland loanee, who failed to score in 13 league matches having swapped Wales for the North East.
There have perhaps been more promising additions at the back, with Maynor Figueroa signing on a free transfer arguably the best of the bunch for Hull. Only three outfielders have started more Premier League games in the last 4 seasons than the 30-year old (137), whose experience in what may well be a familiar back three system to the Honduran could be invaluable. Elsewhere a successful spell in the Championship, where he has been named in the team of the year on three occasions, could finally see Curtis Davies ready to impress in the top-flight.
Another weakness of the Tigers, and an area that they will no doubt be desperate to strengthen, is in the middle of the park. Stephen Quinn was perhaps their best performer in midfield last season but looks set to miss the season's opener, while David Meyler will hope for more success than he endured at Sunderland. Robert Koren and George Boyd are good technically but Bruce will no doubt want to add some power to his ranks before the end of the window.
If last season's Championship runners-up are to avoid the sort of troubles that most are predicting, and do play with three centre-backs, than their wing-backs will be key. Elmohamady has been solid enough at Premier League level, while Robbie Brady will need to sure up the defensive side of his game. All in all additions are certainly still needed at the KC Stadium if Hull are to perform what many would consider to be somewhat of a miracle and stave off relegation.
Last Season: 2nd in Championship
New Signings (at time of writing): George Boyd (Peterborough), Steve Harper (Newcastle), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Curtis Davies (Birmingham), Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland), Allan McGregor (Besiktas), Danny Graham (Sunderland), Yannick Sagbo (Evian)
Predicted Finish (Average of Authors): 19th
Paul McShane was Hull's best player last year and as such is likely to feature prominently in defence, despite the recent acquisition of Curtis Davies. A season of redemption for him, I hope.