Fulham Head Coach Scott Parker is aware that the Championship is a different breed to the Premier League, where a strong run of results can put a team back in contention for promotion.
“We’ve shown flashes of brilliance and performances that have been everything I’ve wanted,” he said.
“It’s a league where if you win two or three games, you’re right up there.
“We’ve seen over the course of many seasons that this division is very different to the Premier League. In the Premier League, a six or seven-point gap and the league is done and dusted.
“The last time we got promoted, we were struggling by Christmas but then we went on a little bit of a run. If we get a run going, we’ll be around it.”
The West London derby presents itself with a familiar foe for the Club’s rivalries in Mark Warburton, who was in charge of Brentford a couple of seasons ago.
“Mark’s done a fantastic job. He’s a very good manager, experienced, and knows the league well.
“He’s done very well at Queens Park Rangers and of course with it being a London derby, we fully expect a tough game on Friday night. We’ve prepared as well as we can.”
With the international break ceasing, players will be thrown back into the mix at short notice on what is likely to be a blustery night at Craven Cottage.
Parker continued: “This league is about momentum. International breaks have come at the wrong time for us, so certainly that could be pleasing. We’re looking to put our foot to the floor and see where it takes us.
“Some players will be coming back late, but under the lights at the Cottage, we’ve done alright this year. Now the stand’s gone, it could be a bit windy, so we’ll try to keep the ball on the floor a little.
“We’re now in the process of building a fantastic stand and it’s a slight negative that we need to go through this to get to where we need to be.”