Fulham v West Brom: Inside track on Scott Parker's side

We spoke with Russ Goldman, from Cottage Talk, and Ben Jarman, from the Fulhamish podcast, to get a proper look at Albion's next opponents.

See what they had to say here.

How has the start of the season treated Fulham, have things been promising?

RG: Well, the season has not started well at all for Fulham as they have one point in six matches.

However, I do think they are getting very close to that breakthrough win as the performances the last three matches have been much better compared to the first three games.

Fulham have been integrating many new players and it is taking time to get it all together, but they are very close I feel to moving forward.

BJ: Fulham have had a fruitless start to the season, picking up only one point thus far in a run of games where they were expected to perform better.

There have been some green-shoots of life, namely against Wolves and Sheffield United, but came crashing back down to earth against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

What sort of business did the Cottagers do this summer, and what have you made of that business?

RG: On paper I think they have done well, but bringing in three centre-backs with two being injured has not been ideal.

I do think they needed a back up for Mitrovic, but overall they have added quality with Ademola Lookman, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kenny Tete, Antonee Robinson and the other additions as well.

BJ: Fulham were crying out for a new centre-half from the moment they were promoted, Scott Parker echoed these views from the outset, but did not sign one until deadline day.

Since then, Joachim Andersen has picked up and long-term injury but Tosin Adarabioyo has settled in well thus far.

The recruitment seems to have been a mixture of low-risk Championship ready players in Adoarabioyo (£2m) and Antonee Robinson (£2m), and Premier League standard at a low cost in Kenny Tete (£3M), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Loan) and Ademola Lookman (Loan).

Ultimately though, the gaping holes in quality that Fulham have in key areas, such and wingers, has been ignored by our Director of Football, Tony Khan.

This game is already being labelled as a huge game for both sets of players, do you think that the pressure will be on show between the sides on Monday?

RG: I think the pressure is on especially with Fulham, but my hope is that the players put all of that to the side and just play.

If Fulham can add a cutting edge to their passing game, then I do like their chances in this match.

BJ: Ultimately yes, it feels like a watershed moment for both teams who will be desperate not to lose to each other.

It'll be cagey and timid, but feels like the game will be settled by a single goal either way, but hopefully in Fulham's favour!

Who are the big danger men to worry about in Fulham's ranks?

RG: Aleksander Mitrovic has to be the starting point and he is overdue for a breakout game.

The player to really watch is Ademola Lookman who already has showed the quality on the ball that Fulham have not seen in years.

If he is on his game then Fulham could be on their way to a victory.

BJ: You really can't look past Mitrovic at this stage for Fulham, 26 goals last season and absolutely on fire for Serbia too.

Aside the Serbian, Ademola Lookman has given Fulham a much needed injection of pace and trickery in one on one situations - he certainly isn't afraid to shoot.

Outside of those two, there is a threat from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tom Cairney and Frank Anguissa is a good creator too.

Are there any injury issues at Craven Cottage?

RG: Injuries have been an issue as Fulham will likely be without Kenny Tete, Terence Kongolo, and Joachim Andersen. Tete and Andersen should be starters when they return.

BJ: Joachim Andersen, Kenny Tete and Josh Onomah are our only immediate injury concerns.

What's your predicted XI?

RG: Areola, Aina, Adarabioyo, Ream, Robinson, Anguissa, Cairney, Loftus-Cheek, Lookman, Mitrovic, Decordova-Reid

BJ: Areola; Robinson, Ream, Adarabioyo, Aina; Anguissa, Reed; Lookman, Cairney, Loftus-Cheek; Mitrovic

What have you made of West Brom from afar, how do you think they'll manage this season?

RG: I think they are in a similar boat as Fulham and are trying to find their way through this division.

Unfortunately, I think like Fulham they will probably be in a relegation battle this season so the pressure is certainly on both teams for this match.

I have much respect for West Brom and I do hope I am wrong about their season.

BJ: There has been a formation change at the Hawthorns and it does seem to have taken a few weeks for the team to get used it.

With Hegazi being sold behind the back of the manager, seemingly, things may not be rosey at the Hawthorns. Unfortunately it seems that both of us will be battling relegation this season.

Your match prediction?

RG: I am going for 2-1 to Fulham as the team is getting close to that first win and I think they get it against West Brom.

BJ: WBA 1-2 Fulham

You can follow Russ on Twitter here. You can follow Ben here, and the Fulhamish podcast here.