Premier League 2013-14: Season Predictions

Fulham

While much of the attention of the press has been on Chelsea, due to certain someone, 4 miles away, neighbours Fulham have quietly gone about their business in a way that suggests they have loftier ambitions than they have had for the last couple of seasons. Case in point is that of Maarten Stekelenburg, normally a 'keeper that has appeared in a World Cup Final and regularly stars for his national team, is big news and captures everyone's attention. But, due to Mr Mourinho's comeback, the fanfare for Stekelenburg has been muffed. In the immediate aftermath of his performance in Johannesburg in 2010, big European clubs like Man United and Chelsea were looking to capture the signing of the 30-year old. So the slightly puzzling fact he has signed for Fulham, now under the ownership of Shahid Khan, has baffled many, yet can prove to be an inspired signing, stepping into the shoes of Mark Schwarzer, who has equally baffled fans, who moves to Chelsea. Equally as impressive, they have coaxed Fernando Amorebieta and Derek Boateng from Atletico Madrid and Dnipro respectively to add extra defensive steel and bite. Plus, they have bolstered their attacking options in capturing Darren Bent on loan from Aston Villa, in an attempt to silence critics who point to the over-reliance on Dimitar Berbatov. Bent has a point to prove, having spent much of last season frozen out by Paul Lambert and so a fresh start is what he may need to propel him back up into World Cup consideration. In these signings, they actively seek to move up one level in the proverbial Premier League ladder from mid-table to European contention and despite the average age being rather high, experience will pay for Fulham this season. Prediction: 7th