It's second versus third on Saturday as Fulham host West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage for the Championship's lunchtime kick-off.

Both sides will head into the game high in confidence after comprehensive victories last weekend, with Albion beating Bristol City 3-0 and the Cottagers putting four past Nottingham Forest.

It is a clash that could be vital in the race for the Premier League as Bournemouth have already opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table meaning Fulham and West Brom are currently scrapping it out for the remaining automatic promotion spot.

There is a long way to go in the season yet but a victory away at Craven Cottage would be quite the statement for Valerien Ismael's side.

With that in mind, we've outlined the starting XI we expect him to name on Saturday...

Sam Johnstone continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League but he remains Ismael's first-choice number one for the time being and should start at Craven Cottage.

With Dara O'Shea still missing, a back three of Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley, and Matt Clarke looks likely, and it would be a shock if the impressive duo of Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong don't slot in at wing-back.

Ismael faces a selection dilemma in central midfield after the dazzling displays that Jayson Molumby and Robert Snodgrass put in at Ashton Gate last weekend.

Their performances may give the Baggies boss the luxury of not having to rush back Alex Mowatt from injury and it may be that he sticks with the duo that shone in the City win, meaning Jake Livermore only makes the bench.

On the back of a 3-0 win, you feel that forward trio Karlan Grant, Jordan Hugill, and Callum Robinson may all reprise their roles.

They'll have to be at their best if Albion are to come away with a result as Aleksandar Mitrovic is on fire at the moment and this could be a high-scoring encounter.