Sam Allardyce’s Baggies host Fulham on Saturday afternoon (ko 3pm) in what looks set to be a key clash for both sides in the fight for Premier League survival.
Fulham
Their last time out
Fulham secured an important point in their last game - a 0-0 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
The hosts missed several second-half chances, while the Cottagers were denied a late winner by Seagulls defender Lewis Dunk’s goal-line clearance. The draw extended the gap between Fulham and the Baggies to just two points heading into Saturday's clash.
In the dugout
Scott Parker has progressed during his first managerial role at Craven Cottage.
Parker, who made just under 400 Premier League appearances during his playing days, took over from Claudio Ranieri during Fulham’s previous endeavours in the top flight towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign.
Although he couldn’t save the Cottagers from relegation, he was handed a permanent deal as boss and proved his coaching credentials the following season. The former Chelsea midfielder led the London outfit to an immediate return to the Premier League - beating Brentford in the 2020 Play-Off final to seal promotion.
During his first full season among England’s elite, the 40-year-old has guided Fulham to important points on the road against Leicester, Newcastle and Tottenham. And Parker will be looking to do the same in the Black Country on Saturday, as both sides seek crucial points.
One to watch
Bobby Decordova-Reid has been one of Fulham’s most influential attacking players this term.
The forward has netted six goals in the Cottagers’ first year back in the Premier League, including clinical finishes against Everton and Liverpool.
But along with Ivan Cavaleiro, Ademola Lookman and Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham have a range of threats which the Baggies will need to track very carefully this weekend.
Our last meeting
October, 2010 was the last time Albion came out on top against Fulham in a Premier League game thanks to goals from Youssouf Mulumbu and Marc Antoine-Fortune.
Stats
Albion
- The Baggies have had to make the most goal-line clearances so far this season (5).
- Albion have made the second-highest number of clearances (439).
- Sam Allardyce’s last managerial home game against Fulham ended with a 3-0 win for his then club, West Ham United in November, 2013.
Fulham
- Fulham are second-highest for being dispossessed this season (215).
- Scott Parker’s side are the highest in the league for receiving yellow cards (39).
- The Cottagers are the lowest for the number of times they’ve been caught offside (17).
Head to head
| Albion wins | Draw | Fulham wins | |
| League | 31 | 19 | 25 |
| FA Cup | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| League Cup | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 36 | 21 | 28 |
Our one to watch
Karlan Grant will want to make an impact in front of goal after returning from the sidelines against Man City on Tuesday.
The forward suffered a foot injury ahead of Albion’s clash with Arsenal at the start of January which was expected to rule him out for up to six weeks.
But Grant’s quick recovery will boost Sam Allardyce’s options further, as he looks to supply the goals which secure more points for the Baggies ahead of a busy February.
Read all about it
Robert Snodgrass and Conor Gallagher feature in this week’s edition of Albion News.
The Scottish winger, who arrived at The Hawthorns in January, discusses his motives for joining, Sam Allardyce and how important it is to maintain belief despite recent results.
While Conor Gallagher takes us through his first season in the top flight, but stresses his focus is on getting points fast to help build momentum for the Baggies.
Academy prospect Finn Azaz, who recently starred in Cheltenham Town’s resilient FA Cup display against Man City, also features as he discusses his future hopes at The Hawthorns.
Secure you copy here.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.
Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.
The game is also available to watch on BBC.