THE OPPOSITION

After their Play-Off final victory at Wembley two months ago, it has been a rude awakening for Fulham back in the top flight so far this term. The Cottagers currently prop-up the Premier League after three heavy defeats to begin the season.

Two 3-0 home reverses to Arsenal and Aston Villa, either side of a 4-3 loss away at Leeds United, have seen The Whites concede ten times in their opening three games this term. There's been some respite in the EFL Cup with victories over Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday in the previous two rounds.

Seven players have come through the door at Craven Cottage so far this window. Harrison Reed turned last season's loan from Southampton into a permanent move while Wigan Athletic defender Antonee Robinon and Lyon's Kenny Tete have also joined. Loan deals have also been agreed for RB Leipzig's Ademola Lookman, Torino defender Ola Aina, midfielder Mario Lemina from Southampton, and PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.

THE MANAGER

Despite the Play-Off final victory being less than two months ago, pressure is starting to mount on Scott Parker, not helped by comments made by owner Tony Khan on social media following Monday's defeat to Aston Villa. The former Whites midfielder was named Caretaker Manager in February 2019, impressing sufficiently in the role to be appointed Head Coach prior to the final game of that season. His first full season in charge last term ended with a fourth-placed finish and victory at Wembley.

As a player, Parker began his career at Charlton Athletic, making 145 appearances before moving to Chelsea. After a two-year stay at Stamford Bridge, Parker took in spells with Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur before spending the final four years of his career at Craven Cottage. That career also saw the midfielder pick up 18 caps for England.

TEAM NEWS

Saman Ghoddos has received international clearance and is available to play while Thomas Frank also confirmed Said Benrahma would be involved. Rico Henry is out due to a low-grade hamstring issue.

Parker made seven changes between last week's Third Round victory over Sheffield Wednesday and Monday's defeat to Aston Villa but is expected to go stronger tonight. There will definitely be no Harrison Reed or Mario Lemina while Kenny Tete limped off after 39 minutes of that defeat to Villa.

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

🆚 Fulham Programme Editor Tom Harvey looks ahead to tonight's game

⚖ Jon Moss set to take charge tonight

THOMAS' PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

LAST ROUND

HOW TO FOLLOW

Thursday's match will be exclusively live on Sky Sports. Fans who do not have Sky Sports can access the game online via Now TV. Fans can pay for one-day access or longer passes. See more here.