Hodgson: Returns to former stomping ground

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Fulham v West Brom

Roy Hodgson returns to his former club for the first time since his departure almost two years ago as West Brom make the trip to Fulham on Wednesday.

The Baggies will need to bounce back from the FA Cup exit at the hands of Norwich and they may have to do so without the services of Jerome Thomas and Gonzalo Jara-Reyes.

Winger Thomas is carrying an ankle injury, while defender Jara-Reyes is suffering with abductor muscle injuries - both injuries sustained in the defeat to the Canaries.

The news doesn’t get much better for Hodgson as long-term casualties Chris Brunt and Zoltan Gera are still out with ankle and knee injuries respectively, while an Achilles problem is still hampering midfielder Paul Scharner.

Hodgson is not the only manager enjoying previous acquaintances with the opposition as Martin Jol used to be a West Brom midfielder.

The Fulham boss also comes into the match on the back of an FA Cup exit. The Cottagers were ousted by Everton on Friday, but they are in good form at home having won four out of their last five fixtures, including a win over Arsenal.

Jol could have Moussa Dembele back in the squad as the midfielder has recovered from a hip injury, but first-choice goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is still struggling with his spinal injury and David Stockdale will once again continue in goal.