Bolton Striker Kevin Davies has warned Fulham to forget about matching last season's success.
Wanderers take on the Cottagers in today's eagerly-anticipated Premier League opener at the Reebok.
Fulham shocked everyone by reaching the final of the Europa League under manager Roy Hodgson last season.
But Hodgson has since joined Liverpool - and Davies expects the Londoners to struggle to replicate their European glory under new boss Mark Hughes.
"I think it will be very tough for them," said the Bolton captain. "It will be difficult for Fulham to do that again but I'm sure they have got a taste for it and will be looking to do it again.
"I think Mark Hughes will go about things a different way, although how much he can change I'm not sure.
"He won't have had much time to get things the way he wants them. The squad is pretty much the same, so it will be a tough test."
Wanderers suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Sunderland on the opening day 12 months ago - and went on to lose the next two games under former manager Gary Megson.
Davies admits the poor start put the club on the back foot from the off and is desperate to avoid a repeat performance, especially with games against West Ham and Birmingham to follow this afternoon's clash "The game against Sunderland last season set the tone for what happened later, so it's important to get off to that good start," said the 33-year-old striker.
"Regardless of whether they have a new manager, Fulham is always a difficult game and they are a hard side to play against.
"But we need to put points on the board. It gives you that belief and confidence. I think in the first three fixtures, we can look to pick up a lot of points."
And Davies is convinced the spirit in the dressing room will stand Wanderers in good stead for a successful campaign.
He said: "The dressing room is together here and you need that if you are going to be successful and for when the tough times come.
"It's going to be a big season and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.
"It can be achieved if you have the spirit and the togetherness, which we certainly have."