Thomas Frank is expecting a ‘hostile environment’ at Craven Cottage.

Brentford and Fulham will meet in the top flight for the first time on Saturday.

Fulham amassed 90 points en route to the Sky Bet Championship title last term, and Thomas revealed that he has been impressed with the Cottagers’ start to the Premier League season.

“I’ve watched Fulham’s first two games,” he said.

“It was a fully deserved point against Liverpool; maybe they could have got all three. They were quite close to that. They also performed well against Wolves [during a goalless draw last weekend]. It’s going to be unbelievably tough.

“We’re facing a club that, historically, over the past 20 years at least, is bigger than Brentford. They have played in the Premier League for many years and have far more Premier League experience in their squad, in terms of how many games played. There is much more experience there.

“I’ve been privileged to be at the Club for more than five years and we’ve played Fulham a lot during that time.

“Griffin Park, Craven Cottage – it’s been a great atmosphere when the two clubs have met each other.

Despite the rivalry between the two clubs, Thomas stressed that it’s business as usual at Jersey Road.

“Of course, that’s a painful memory when we think about Fulham,” said Thomas when asked about the 2019/20 Play-Off final defeat at Wembley Stadium.

“I doubt it will ever go away; losing a Play-Off final is devastating.

“But I will not do anything differently. I’ll reinforce the message that it’s a local derby against Fulham. It means a lot for the fans and a lot for us. I will try to get the players to understand how big this game is.

“In some ways, it’s potentially bigger than the United game; we’ve faced Fulham a lot more over recent years.”