A critical match in the EFL Championship between promotion contenders takes place when Fulham host West Bromwich Albion at Craven Cottage.

Relegated from the Premier League last season, both the Cottagers and Baggies will fancy an immediate return to the top flight as they sit in second and third place, respectively, separated by just one point.

Team news

Fulham will be without Ivan Cavaleiro, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ty Francois. A change could be in store in the midfield with Kenny Tete possibly starting over Dennis Odoi.

Fabio Carvalho is set to return to the London outfit after missing the last nine games with injury.

Dara O'Shea and Alex Mowatt will be out, but Grady Diangana returned last week and should be in the squad for this match. Robert Snodgrass and Jayson Molumby have been impressive in the midfield, meaning Jake Livermore may struggle to get his place back.

Predicted lineups

Fulham: Rodak; Robinson, Ream, Adarabioyo, Tete; Reed, Seri; Kebano, Cairney, Wilson; Mitrovic

West Bromwich Albion: Johnstone; Clarke, Bartley, Ajayi; Townsend, Molumby, Snodgrass, Furlong; Grant, Hugill, Robinson

Ones to watch

Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)

One of the most prolific scorers in English football, the Serbian has keyed the Cottagers' current three-match winning streak, scoring five goals in that span and bringing his total to 15 for the season in all competitions.

Embed from Getty Images

Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion)

The 22-year-old arrived at the Hawthorns on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and has been impressive. He was stellar against Nottingham Forest in picking up the ball from the halfway line after high pressing and looked quite comfortable doing it.

He may not be at the club past this year, but his influence in the heart of the Baggies' midfield could help them make an instant return to the Premier League.

Previous meetings 

In January, the two sides drew 2-2 at the Hawthorns.

Bobby Decordova-Reid opened the scoring for Fulham in the 10th minute. 

Second-half goals from Kyle Bartley and Matheus Pereira gave West Brom a 2-1 lead until Ivan Cavaleiro equalized in the 76th minute.

How to watch

The match will be televised on Sky Sports with audio coverage also available on FFCTV and WBA TV. Kick-off is set for 19:30 BST.