The Craven Corner: Fulham Match Day Programme: Fulham 3 v 1 Preston. 04/03/2017

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Columnist Adam Brons-Smith believes something special is happening by the banks of the Thames...

What a difference a year makes at Fulham Football Club. At the end of last season, Slaviša Jokanović had guided the Whites to safety after a disappointing 2015/16 campaign. A year on, Fulham sit just outside the Play-Offs with every chance of still being promoted this season. Under Jokanović’s management, the Club have once again found an identity, and it’s safe to say that something special is being built again on the banks of the Thames.

With Fulham dominating the possession stats and already amassing more wins this campaign than the entirety

of last season, the good times are coming back to Craven Cottage. Jokanović has done an incredible job over the past year and every fan must be thrilled that he’s signed a new contract, keeping him here for at least the next two years, and hopefully leading Fulham back to the highest tier in English football.

Unbeaten in the last three league games, some may have expected Fulham to take all three points at Cardiff, but in reality a draw away from home

isn’t a bad result. It keeps the momentum going in the league, and under Neil Warnock, Cardiff are a rejuvenated team. Whilst we certainly had our chances to win the game, other results went our way with teams below us failing to record victory. With 53 points on the table so far and Preston to face today, Fulham could move ever closer to the top six.

But this afternoon’s fixture will not be easy at all. Preston arrive in SW6 just a point below Fulham in ninth place. A win for Simon Grayson’s side could take them as high as seventh, leap-frogging Fulham in the process.

While Preston may not have the budget of some of the sides above and around us they’re a strong unit to break down. Expect at least one change in the Fulham starting XI today after Chelsea loanee Lucas Piazon suffered a broken jaw at Cardiff and is expected to be out of action for a little while. Hopefully the Brazilian will be back before the end of our campaign as he’s proved himself to be a key asset in our current squad. Fulham have used the likes of Neeskens Kebano and Floyd Ayité in recent weeks to lead the line. It’s proved to be very successful with Kebano scoring against Wigan and Cardiff, and his deflected shot sealing victory against Nottingham Forest. Despite the disappointing news of Piazon’s injury, Jokanović has a plethora of talent to choose from. Although Fulham are still in transition, we’re moving forward as a club and making big progress. After securing Jokanović’s long-term future, Fulham have a Head Coach and a side they can truly get behind and love. COYW!

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