As the sun sets on Craven Cottage by the River Thames, a fast fading sky hangs soothingly overhead and crisp 15C conditions chill those in the stands ready for this west London derby.

Things are sure to heat up as this is a fixture that has guaranteed goals in the recent past, with the last goalless draw coming at the dawn of the new century. Now Fulham boss Kit Symons was on the bench for that one at Loftus Road in February 2000.

Both managers have been speaking to BBC London 94.9 ahead of kick-off...

Fulham's Kit Symons: "It's a local derby. I've played in these games. They mean an awful lot to the fans. Both sets of supporters will be desperate for their team to get the bragging rights. I aim to make sure that, on Saturday morning, it's Fulham fans that are shouting the loudest."

QPR's Chris Ramsey: "The main thing is to make sure we keep that professionalism up, like we did at Huddersfield where we didn't let a goal in, played well and scored. A lot of times, there has only been a draw available because we've shot ourselves in the foot."

An April Fools’ Day defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage left Queens Park Rangers on a slippery slope to Premier League relegation in 2013.

Image source, Getty Images

The 3-2 defeat, in which Dimitar Berbatov struck twice for Fulham and Steve Sidwell was sent off for the Whites, saw QPR seven points adrift of safety with seven games left. QPR would go on to collect just two more points and be consigned to relegation four games later.

Looking at the head-to-head, Fulham have won their last four home games against QPR, scoring 12 goals in that time.

QPR have won just one of their last eight games against Fulham (D1 L6) failing to score in six of those games.

If you're in the London area this evening, listen to BBC London 94.9 for live commentary of tonight's match at Craven Cottage.

Unfortunately, a rights issue prevents us from broadcasting Football League commentaries on our website.

However, you can listen to BBC London's pre-match show by clicking on the play button.

QPRare unchanged from last weekend's 1-1 draw at Hull. Netherlands international midfielder Leroy Fer is fit enough for a place on the bench.

Image source, BBC Sport

Subs:Smithies, Hall, Tozser, Doughty, Gladwin, Mackie, Fer.

Fulham make seven changes from their League Cup defeat by Stoke in midweek. Ryan Fredericks is in for the injured Jazz Richards at right-back.

Image source, BBC Sport

Subs: Lewis, Burn, Voser, Mattila, Christensen, Kavanagh, Woodrow.

It is one of those weeks, when the near neighbours come knocking.

We saw Arsenal win at Tottenham in the League Cup, while Aston Villa overcame Birmingham City in the first Second City derby in nearly five years...

Image source, Empics

On Saturday, a tide of red will descend on Twickenham as England host Wales in their eagerly anticipated Rugby World Cup group game...

Image source, Getty Images

But tonight, on the bank of the River Thames, we have a west London derby as Queens Park Rangers travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.

Victory could take QPR up to third in the Championship, while a win for Fulham will see them return to the top half of the table.

Team news on the way.