These two clubs begin the new year in contrasting moods.
Twelve months ago West Brom were mid-table with 22 points under Roy Hodgson.
Understandably there were concerns amongst Baggies fans when they lost their manager to England and a few still unsure when Steve Clarke replaced him. But the fact that they are 11 points better off a year later, with their highest-ever total at this stage means those doubts have long since been forgotten.
The real foundation of the success story so far has been their form at The Hawthorns which will hardly lift Fulham's current spirits. By last January, West Brom had only won twice at home. Contrast that with this season where they've taken 22 points from a possible 30, losing only to Manchester City and Stoke City.
The challenge for them now is to maintain that kind of form and consistency in the remaining 18 games which could see them remain on the fringes of the top six.
The current target for Fulham is quite simple - get back to winning ways. Just one win in their last 12 games has undone their promising start to the campaign and it has them currently looking a little apprehensively over their shoulder.
There was huge frustration that the recent home games with Southampton and Swansea brought just one point, particularly with the familiar theme of their away form. I witnessed their only win so far away from Craven Cottage, at Wigan in September, where they looked solid and dangerous on the break.
Martin Jol will know those qualities will need to be on show again as he returns to the club for whom he once played, or the year could start as uncomfortably as it ended.
Head-to-head
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Fulham are unbeaten in their last four games with West Brom.
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The Cottagers have never won at The Hawthorns in six previous Premier League encounters.
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In fact, there has never been a win by the away side in this fixture in 12 Premier League matches
West Brom
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The Baggies have won just one match after falling behind this season. They have lost on all five occasions when they have trailed at half-time.
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West Brom have 33 points, their highest-ever tally at this point of a Premier League season.
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But, they have won just two of their last seven league matches.
Fulham
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Fulham have won only one of their last 12 Premier League games (W1 D5 L6) and are now just four points clear of the relegation zone.
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Sixteen of the 20 Premier League games involving Fulham this season have produced three or more goals scored.
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Martin Jol's side have won just once away from Craven Cottage this season