For Fulham, the challenge is turning Craven Cottage back into a fortress. Marco Silva's side lost their final three home matches last season – a run the Portuguese has never endured before in his managerial career – and he will be desperate to stop the slide today.
The setting could hardly be better. The sun is out on the banks of the Thames, the Riverside Stand is already buzzing, and fans have been filing in early to take advantage of the £5 pint offer. With a sold-out crowd behind them, the Cottagers will hope to make this famous old ground an intimidating place once again.