Aleksandar Mitrovic is up for this one.

He goes in hard for an aerial challenge with Jonny Howson inside the centre-circle.

The Fulham striker led with his arm and gets an early caution within the first 30 seconds of the game.

Image source, Rex Features

The Marco Silva era is under way at Fulham.

The relegated Whites ended last season without a win in 10 games, while Boro recorded just two wins in their nine Championship outings to finish.

But 2021-22 offers a fresh slate...

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Kick-off is moments away. I'm pretty sure referee Keith Stroud just blew a kiss to the ball as he led the two teams out of the tunnel.

You can get involved in our coverage today.

Send us your thoughts by including #bbcefl in your tweets, and we'll include the best ones.

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The end of lockdown restrictions mean the return of away fans.

Middlesbrough fans love a day out and offer good backing around the country. They're packing out the Putney End.

It's rather soggy on the banks of the Thames - and Boro supporters will do well to find a Parmo inside the M25 - but the travelling fans will relish the chance to cheer on their side.

Mark Drury
BBC Radio Tees sport

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Middlesbrough go into their fifth successive season in the Championship hoping Neil Warnock can work his promotion magic once more.

The 72-year-old wants his side to go all out for the Premier League in what may well be his final season in management, and he's reshaping a squad which finished in mid-table.

Goals have been a long-standing problem for Boro. Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fetcher have left, and Uche Ikpeazu has been brought in from Wycombe to fill the hole.

Warnock needs his striker to provide a platform to attack from, while hitting the back of the net more often than he’s ever managed before, if Boro are to make it back to the top flight.

Fans are excited at the arrival of Argentinian attacking midfielder Martin Pajero while Marcus Tavernier, Paddy McNair and Dael Fry are likely to be key players if Boro are to have a successful season.

Andy Rowley
BBC Radio London

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Fulham will be among the contenders and might be favourites for promotion. You only have to look at their squad to see that the majority of them have experience of a Championship promotion campaign.

They have also managed to add a brilliant player in Wales international Harry Wilson from Liverpool, and there will be more comings and goings under new manager Marco Silva.

What might be most interesting will be how Fulham reintegrate many of their players who were deemed surplus to requirements while they were in the Premier League - many of whom were so instrumental in getting the club there in the first place.

They seem to have the squad to contend but do they have the manager, the team spirit and the determination to get promoted again?

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Fulham are adjusting to life back in the Championship under a new manager, and Middlesbrough will probably be targeting a place in the play-offs.

Boro finished 10th last season, 13 points off the top six, but experienced boss Neil Warnock will be targeting a ninth EFL promotion in the twilight of his career.

Coming up are the thoughts of reporters from BBC local radio on what this season has in store for the Whites and the Teessiders.

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Fulham boss Marco Silva hands debuts to both his summer signings, keeper Paulo Gazzaniga and midfielder Harry Wilson.

Aleksandar Mitrovic also starts up top.

Fulham XI: Gazzaniga, Tete, Adarabioyo, Ream (capt), Robinson, Onomah, Francois, Wilson, Carvalho, Kebano, Mitrovic.

Subs: Rodak (GK), Bryan, Mawson, Seri, Cavaleiro, Decordova-Reid, Kamara.

There are three debutants for Middlesbrough, as keeper Joe Lumley, midfielder Matt Crooks and striker Uche Ikpeazu all start.

Argentine attacking midfielder Martin Payero is included on the bench following his move from Banfield, but Chuba Akpom misses out while he recovers from Covid-19.

Middlesbrough XI: Lumley, Hall, Fry, McNair, Djiksteel, Morsy, Howson (capt), Bola, Crooks, Watmore, Ikpeazu.

Subs: Stojanovic (GK), Peltier, Spence, Tavernier, Payero, Jones, Coburn.

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Fulham are the final of the three clubs relegated from the Premier League last season to get into action in the Championship.

The other two have not had a particularly auspicious return to life in the second tier; West Brom drew 2-2 at Bournemouth on Friday, while Sheffield United were beaten 1-0 at home by Birmingham last night.

All three clubs have changed manager after dropping out of the top flight, and Fulham have turned to Marco Silva after Scott Parker left Craven Cottage to join the Cherries.

The 44-year-old Portuguese, who has signed a three-year deal, has had spells in England with Hull City, Watford and Everton - but has never managed in the Championship.

He's managed to hold on to striker Aleksandar Mitrovic for now, and the Serb is a proven performer at this level, with 38 goals in 57 Championship outings for the Whites.

The opening weekend of the English Football League season has provided plenty to enjoy so far.

From a four-goal thriller between Bournemouth and West Brom on Friday, to Hull City's demolition of Preston on their return to the Championship and a first-day win for Hartlepool United, who are back in League Two after a four-year absence.

Now, there are two more games to bring you in the second tier this afternoon.

Fulham, relegated from the Premier League last season, host Middlesbrough before Coventry City entertain Nottingham Forest at 16:30 BST.

Kick-off at Craven Cottage is just 15 minutes away.

Image source, Rex Features