Fulham’s pre-season has been somewhat of a slow burner, their only first-team activity thus far being in the Algarve Cup.
The newly-promoted Premier League side posted a good win against Nice with penalties from Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson proving to be the difference.
However, a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Benfica followed 24 hours later, leaving Marco Silva to question where his side are at as they enter the final phases of their schedule.
On a positive note, Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira are both eye-catching additions for the midfield, the pair effectively replacing the outgoing Jean Michael Seri and Fabio Carvalho.
Nevertheless, more additions are sure to follow over the coming weeks as the West Londoners prepare for their opener with Liverpool by playing Estoril and Villarreal.
Silva initially made his name in the Estoril dugout, winning Portugal’s second tier back in 2011-12 before eventually getting the opportunity to manage Sporting Lisbon.
After a three-year absence, Estoril were back in the top flight last season, emerging as the surprise package of the campaign as they finished in ninth position in Primeira Liga.
Hopes are high that they can achieve a similar standing this time around, perhaps even higher, but a 4-1 reverse to Brighton & Hove Albion in their most recent outing has highlighted that there is much work ahead.
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Fulham’s starting lineup could be similar to the team which succumbed tamely to Benfica last week.
Palhinha and Pereira both started that contest and will be hoping to help their side deliver a much better performance.
Of those who started among the replacements, Antonee Robinson, Harrison Reed and Kebano are the players most likely to earn a recall.
