Fulham will be looking to remain unbeaten in the Championship, when they return to action this weekend against Stoke City. 

The Cottagers are currently sat top of the second-tier standings after their opening four matches of this year's campaign, as they look to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

They ran out comfortable 2-0 winners over Birmingham City in midweek, as Marco Silva's men progressed to the Third Round of the EFL Cup.

But they won't have it all their way this weekend, as they prepare to take on a Stoke City side that have made a positive start to the 2021/22 campaign, under the watchful eye of Michael O'Neill.

The Potters are sat third in the Championship table, and will fancy their chances of maintaining their own unbeaten start to the new league campaign.

Sky Sports' EFL pundit David Prutton issued his thoughts ahead of the game at Craven Cottage, and predicted that Marco Silva's side would run out narrow 2-1 winners on the day.

"We knew Aleksandar Mitrovic would score goals in this league. And now we know Fabio Carvalho will too. The teenager looks a sensation and Fulham have just looked so threatening in the early stages of this season as a result.

"Stoke have also enjoyed a brilliant start under Michael O'Neill. They have as many points as Fulham and could be right up there this season. This is a real tough test of their credentials, though. Home win, just."

The Verdict:

I have to agree with Prutton here.

Even though Stoke City have really impressed in the early stages of this year's campaign, you would imagine that Fulham's attacking qualities will edge them over the line in this one.

If the likes of Harry Wilson and Fabio Carvalho are at their best, then they'll cause Michael O'Neill's side a number of problems at Craven Cottage this weekend.

It's likely to be a closely-fought battle between both teams though, as they look to build on positive starts to this year's campaign.