After last season's near relegation, being sat in mid-table is probably a nice place to be right now for Fulham.

Especially after losing Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele, many thought they could be amongst the teams that are candidates for relegation this season. However, they've invested well, and brought in some decent players to tighten up their defence, their biggest weakness last season.

Under the stewardship of Slavisa Jokanovic, the Cottagers are sat in 14th place with 18 points so far, and will look to continue pushing towards the top half of the table as it takes shape.

However, they face a tough run of fixtures against teams above them, hosting Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday before travelling to Brighton and Brentford before November is out.

They'll need to get some points out of those fixtures, before they end up looking over their shoulders at the bottom three.

Here, FLW's Ryan Evans takes a look at TWO players that Jokanovic should use as impact substitutes...

 

Matt Smith

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It's a tried and tested technique that, when a goal down with little time remaining, to bring on an extra striker and trying to lump the ball into the box.

Whilst it may not be the most attractive way, and not the way that Jokanovic will want to play ideally, sometimes it's necessary to get points on the board, the most important factor.

With the loan signing of Chris Martin, Smith is unlikely to be the first choice striker in many matches, but does offer a goal threat, netting the winners in the opening two games of the season. His goal in the win over Newcastle, for example, was from a corner.

The 27-year-old is a great asset to bring on from the bench, and that could be where Jokanovic gets the best out of the Englishman.

Floyd Ayite

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The pace that Ayite possesses is frightening, and will cause any defender in the Championship serious issues in keeping up with him.

That pace can be exploited at any stage throughout the game, but will be maximised should the 27-year old come on in the last stages of a game playing against a tired full-back.

With Ayite only just back in training following injury, he may need to rely on substitute appearances until his match fitness is back up, and with Lucas Piazon capitalising on his time in the first team since then, using Ayite as an impact sub may be the way forward for Jokanovic's men.

Fuham fans, what do you think? Should these two players be used as impact subs, first team starters or not at all? Let us know your opinions below!