Two sides that have made unbeaten starts to the campaign face off on Saturday when Fulham play host to Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage.

While both underwhelmed last term on their way to disappointing finishes, it could be a different story this time around thanks to the solid footing put in place early on.

Fulham

Following last season's slow beginning to life in the Championship, Fulham made a somewhat better start to things this time around by earning a credible 1-1 draw away at Cardiff City.

It could have been even better for the Cottagers, who were only denied maximum points by Craig Noone's superb late equaliser in South Wales.

That was followed up by a 1-0 League Cup win over Wycombe Wanderers in midweek, showing that Fulham are certainly better prepared this time around under the watch of Kit Symons.

Matt Smith was on target in the opening-day draw, finding the net for the fourth time in his last six outings, while a further boost in attack has also been handed to Symons with the news that Ross McCormack has reportedly agreed to sign a new deal.

More new arrivals are anticipated between now and the end of the transfer window, with Lewis Dunk - who is expected to feature for the visitors this weekend - thought to be Fulham's top target in defence.

Issues at the back certainly cost the Whites at times last season, particularly in the closing weeks when 18 goals were shipped in their last six home outings - including a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of rivals Brentford.

Fulham did look far more structured in their league opener against Cardiff, however, albeit in a match that saw them lose out in the possession stakes, with free summer signing Jamie O'Hara appearing to be a shrewd capture in midfield.

This Saturday's meeting against a side who finished in the same vicinity as them last season will provide Fulham with a clearer picture of how far they have come, and perhaps show just how realistic hopes of a playoff finish really are.

Recent form (all competitions): WDWDDW

Brighton & Hove Albion

The honour of kicking off the new Football League season went to Brighton, who delivered in front of their own fans with a slender 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.

Kazenga LuaLua was the matchwinner, firing a well-taken strike beyond the reach of Dorus de Vries in the second half, before matching that feat in a similar style in midweek.

Southend United were the victims on that occasion, as Brighton maintained their impressive run of results by picking up another narrow 1-0 victory at Roots Hall.

Questions over the future of centre-back Dunk still remain, with Newcastle United thought to be the latest side to have shown an interest in the man who led the scoring charts for the Seagulls last season.

Boss Chris Hughton has since refuted these claims, suggesting that he intends to keep hold of his best players beyond the end of the summer transfer window.

Dunk impressed once more against Forest, sweeping up when needed at the back, while new boy Tomer Hemed also produced a promising debut display at The Amex.

The Israeli international arrived on the South Coast with plenty of expectation on his shoulders following a respectable return from his time at Almeria and, if not for a wonder save from De Vries, he would have got off the mark in last week's opening fixture.

Hughton may look towards a more attacking style of play in the coming months, but right now getting victories is the key if Albion are to return to being promotion candidates, rather than looking over their shoulders like the duration of last season.

Recent form (all competitions): WDWWWW

Team News

Dunk was left out of his side's midweek League Cup clash, but he is almost certain to return to the first-team fold for the trip to West London.

Former Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale will also return from last time out, as will midfielder Dale Stephens, but new recruit Uwe Hunemeier is expected to miss out after joining earlier this week.

Bobby Zamora could earn a first appearance for the Seagulls since returning, fitness permitting, up against another of his former sides.

In terms of the home side, the biggest decision for Symons to make comes in goals, as Andy Lonergan and Marcus Bettinelli battle it out for the No.1 shirt.

Lonergan impressed against Cardiff, and is therefore likely to get the nod on this occasion, while McCormack and Smith will continue in attack.

Luke Garbutt, Fernando Amorebieta, Scott Parker and George Williams remain on the sidelines, while Ryan Tunnicliffe has served his two-match suspension.

Fulham possible starting lineup:
Lonergan; Richards, Hutchinson, Burn, Voser; Christensen, Cairney, Pringle, O'Hara; Smith, McCormack

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Stockdale; Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Bong; March, Stephens, Kayal, LuaLua; Baldock, Hemed

Head To Head

Interestingly, Fulham have either scored exactly two goals (four times) or scored none at all (four times) in each of their last eight meetings against Brighton.

Albion have found the net in each of the last three fixtures, meanwhile, having previously gone six without finding a way through against the Cottagers.

Brighton, with just two away wins to their name all calendar year, won the last encounter 2-0 last December, Adrian Colunga and Solly March goals proving the difference in that one.

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We say: Fulham 1-0 Brighton

Brighton and Fulham will each be happy enough with their starts to the campaign, especially coming off the back of a season that saw both largely underwhelm. The Whites appear to have the better squad at this stage, however, which will see them maintain their unbeaten start on the banks of the Thames.