Fulham utility Chris Baird admits their clash with Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion is an early season six pointer.

West Brom are bottom of the Premier League as they host winless Fulham.

And Northern Ireland ace Baird, 29, said: "We are 18th and they are 20th, it's a six-pointer already.

"I am a little surprised to see West Brom struggling under Roy, if I'm honest. He did wonders for Fulham and is up there with the best managers I have worked with throughout my career - and I've had a lot more managers than clubs.

"West Brom are like us, a good footballing side in Roy's mould. We are still benefitting from his time with us, especially in the Europa League this season.

"He never left any stone unturned in his preparation. Every detail of information we needed about the opposition was there.

"In his first season he saved us, then got us to seventh and into Europe. We reached the final of the Europa League and nearly won a trophy, while finishing a respectable 12th.

"He's a very intelligent man and I've got huge respect for him."