Frain is well aware that Jean Tigana's side have been in impressive form in the opening two matches of their Division One campaign.

But, he says, if Northampton play consistently well over 90 minutes, they could still give the West London side a run for their money.

"It’s possibly the hardest draw we could have had!" Frain told Sky Sports.comTV. "I watched them play Birmingham on TV last Friday night and they were outstanding.

"But we are confident and we will work really hard and have a good go. We have played well in patches over our first 2 games but we know we need to reproduce that over 90 minutes on a more consistent basis.

"It’s a tough week, with difficult games against Fulham and Reading but we are confident that we are strong enough to do well and we are optimistic about the rest of the season."

Boss Kevin Wilson agrees that his side could have done with an easier draw, but he sees the match against the Cottagers as the ideal opportunity to get over their disappointing start to the season.

The Cobblers have begun with a home draw against Brentford, followed by defeat at Wycombe, but Wilson feels there is no better place to put those performances behind them than in front of a live TV audience.

Wilson said, "Fulham are one of the best sides in Division One. They have pace, power and movement but playing against a side like that should bring out the best in us.

"We will be ready for it. We’re live on TV, and are looking to get over the disappointment of last Saturday. I’m disappointed we only have one point from two games, especially after having played well against Brentford.

"We were disappointing at Wycombe, but playing in front of the cameras gives us an ideal platform to bounce back. We always aim high here, and we are looking to push on. We will work hard against Fulham and give it our best shot."