Fulham play host to Swansea City on Wednesday night looking to improve on a run of just one win from four Championship fixtures.
Meanwhile, the visitors are seemingly on the up under Russell Martin, the Welsh outfit having recently moved up to 17th position in the standings.
Match preview
There were signs before the international break that Fulham would cruise to promotion from the Championship this season, an argument strengthened by retaining the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic.
However, regardless of the Serbian's presence, the Cottagers have failed to keep a clean sheet at the other end of the pitch for four games.
Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bristol City leaves Fulham four points adrift of leaders Bournemouth, and Marco Silva will appreciate that his team need to deliver a performance on Wednesday.
On the plus side, Silva has an abundance of players at his disposal, including Harry Wilson who now has three goals and three assists since his big-money transfer from Liverpool.
Having parted ways with Steve Cooper, Swansea were never realistically going to enjoy a fast start to the season under new head coach Martin.
However, there are signs that the Swans are getting up to speed with a total of nine points being collected from their last six matches.
There was a lack of conviction about the 1-0 triumph over Huddersfield Town on Saturday, the Welsh outfit holding on to a slender advantage from the 17th minute.
Nevertheless, new arrival Joel Piroe chipped in with his fifth goal of the campaign, a much-needed contribution when just three of this squad have gotten on the scoresheet in the Championship.
Aside from their 16 minutes of madness against Luton Town, Swansea have kept out the opposition for the duration of their last four fixtures.
- W
- W
- L
- W
- L
- D
- W
- L
- W
- L
- D
- D
- W
- L
- D
- D
- D
- W
- L
- D
- D
- D
- L
- W
Team News
Harrison Reed is in line to return to the Fulham starting lineup after making his return from injury at Ashton Gate.
Neeskens Kebano could also return on one of the flanks, potentially leading to Bobby Decordova-Reid moving into a central position.
Despite making progress in his recovery from a toe injury, Fabio Carvalho is expected to remain on the sidelines.
Barring any fitness issues, Martin may see no reason to make any changes to his Swansea XI.
Jay Fulton and Korey Smith are options in midfield if Martin chooses to introduce some fresh legs.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Gazzaniga; Odoi, Ream, Adarabioyo, Robinson; Reed, Chalobah; Wilson, Decordova-Reid, Kebano; Mitrovic
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Hamer; Cabango, Naughton, Manning; Laird, Grimes, Downes, Bidwell; Paterson, Ntcham; Piroe
We say: Fulham 2-1 Swansea City
With Silva facing his first testing period at Craven Cottage, the Portuguese will demand extra from his squad. While Swansea will fancy their chances of causing an upset, the home side should have enough quality in the final third to edge this contest.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
