Fulham v West Brom: Inside track on The Cottagers

We spoke with Russell Goldman from Cottage Talk, and George Cooper from the Fulhamish podcast, to get a proper look at Scott Parker's side.

See what he had to say here...

How have Fulham started this season? Are things going well?

RG: The beginning of the season has been good so far, but Fulham are a work in progress.

I can certainly see in two months time, the players really clicking together and going on an unbeaten streak like they did two seasons ago.

With several new faces, it is going to take some time.

GC: It's been up and down!

But suppose that is to be expected given the circumstances: Terrible season last year, new unproven manager, plethora of new signings. Overall I am happy.

We're notoriously slow starters, but I am comfortable with where we are at the moment.

What are the expectations at Craven Cottage this season, is there some pressure to achieve promotion?

RG: I am expecting automatic promotion based on the players coming back from a couple of seasons ago in the Championship, and the additions that have been added this summer.

In my opinion just ending in the top six is not good enough. This club should gain automatic promotion, but it is up to the players and the coaching staff to make it happen.

GC: I would say so. Automatic promotion is the target, the club have been very clear.

I think anything other than promotion, whether that be automatic or via the playoffs, will be seen as a disappointment.

What have you made of Scott Parker's reign so far, is it an improvement?

RG: Just like the players on the pitch, he is a work in progress, and I will give him a chance to prove me wrong.

I wanted an established manager to be in charge of Fulham this season, but Parker deserves the time to make the club a success this season.

It is too early to tell if he is the right manager for Fulham.

GC: Anything was an improvement on Ranieri! The man did a lot of damage to the club, he just didn't care.

Scott is the opposite. He deserves his chance and I'm totally behind him. You get the impression he is learning and developing.

I do think he has what it takes to become a top manager and I hope we see what he's capable of at Fulham.

What kind of football can we expect to see from Fulham?

RG: It is not exactly the same style under Jokanovic, but Fulham want to control possession and attack.

I expect you will see that on Saturday, but West Brom it seems want to do the same so this should be a fascinating match.

GC: Anywhere between four and seven attacking players on the field at any one time, I believe it's what's known in american football as the "Hail Mary" approach.

Lots of passes, high possession but defensive frailties. Never a dull moment.

Who are the big danger men to worry about in the Fulham ranks for West Brom?

RG: It's the three up front as you have Aleksandar Mitrovic, Anthony Knockaert, and Ivan Cavaleiro to deal with which are all a handful.

When these three players are huge factors in the match, Fulham have an excellent chance to win. In midfield, you have Tom Cairney who is very important as well as he can create the opportunities for the three up front.

GC: Mitrovic has eight goals in seven games and is well and truly on fire as his song suggests. He's our biggest threat no-question.

His strength, finishing and positioning make him a real handful for even the most hardened Championship defenders.

We've also got Ivan Cavaleiro who is pitching in with goals and Anthony Knockaert (Tony Knockers) who is hitting his stride.

What's your predicted line-up for Fulham?

RG: Bettinelli, Sessegnon, Mawson, Ream, Bryan, Cairney, Reed, Johansen, Cavaleiro, Mitrovic, Knockaert

GC: I think we'll go with: Bettinelli, Sessegnon, Mawson, Ream, Bryan Cairney, Johansson, Reed, Knockaert, Mitro, Cavaleiro

Are there any injury worries at Craven Cottage this season?

RG: Not right now, but a big loss for this match is Harry Arter who is suspended for the match.

He has been very good for Fulham most of time this season, but he really cost Fulham with his two yellow cards against Cardiff City.

He will be a significant miss on Saturday.

GC: We pray Mitro stays fit! Mawson as well. Cairney is quite injury prone also. Fingers crossed they can stay off the treatment bench.

What have you made of West Brom from afar this season? Do you think they could challenge for promotion?

RG: I expect them to contend for automatic promotion and I see them on the same level as Fulham with quality players and they do have a manager who I believe can lead them back to the Premier League.

This will be a very tough match for both clubs.

GC: Started very well. You have some real threats going forward, Zohore always seems to score against us.

I've always liked Bilic as a coach, I think you'll be there or there abouts come the end of the season! Can't wait to visit the Hawthorns also, it's a ground I've always wanted to go to.

Your match prediction?

RG: 2-1 Fulham.

I think this is a very important match for Parker's side and it could go any way, but I think the hosts will find a way to win.

GC: Tough game, but I'm thinking 2-1 Fulham. COYW!

You can follow Russell's work here on Twitter. If you'l like to keep up with George's work you can do so here.