Lewis Dunk is in line for his 250th Premier League start after returning from injury.

But Fabian Hurzeler does not expect to change formation to accommodate the skipper.

Dunk reached 250 Prem games when he went on as substitute in the 1-1 draw with Southampton following injury.

Hurzeler had kept faith with Igor and Jan Paul van Hecke after their impressive display at storm-battered Bournemouth.

However, he then gave strong indications that Dunk, who went on as sub for the first time in the Prem, would be in from the start at Fulham on Thursday.

The head coach said: “It was not an easy decision. He is my captain and one of my most important players.

“But I think Igor and JP did well last week so I explained it to him.

“He came in and he showed his impact to the team, he showed his role immediately and he will help us to win games next time.”

Hurzeler used van Hecke on the right of defence against Southampton after Dunk went on.

But he does not expect to revert to the three at the back he used with great success at St Pauli – which could be bad news for Igor.

Hurzeler said: “I think we have too many offensive players to go three at the back.

“You have to adapt to the profiles you have here and what fits best for this team. That is, I think, a back four.”

Van Hecke was pressed into service as a deep-lying midfielder in last season’s 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage but that need not happen this time as Carlos Baleba returns from a one-match ban.

Hurzeler will check on Kaoru Mitoma and Yasin Ayari, who picked up knocks against Southampton, and has said Jack Hinshelwood is close to a return.

Joel Veltman missed Friday’s game with what was said to be a small issue while Brajan Gruda was unwell.