Fulham coach Marco Silva was full of encouragement for Derby County ahead of our meeting on Wednesday evening.
The Rams have been in steady form this season, losing just five matches, but a 21-point deduction means they still sit on zero at the foot of the Championship.
“My words straight after Saturday’s match when I was asked about Derby, I started to congratulate them because the players and the staff have shown great character and a strong personality to deal with the situation,” Silva said.
“They are always a really tough team to beat, you can see in the number of defeats they’ve had until now. Even if they are in that position, they have already collected 21 points.
“They have strong character and strong personality, and quality as well. And the staff as well, with the manager, it’s possible [they stay up]. For sure they will come here to match us, they come here to fight.
“Even if they look at the table and their position is not fair to them, they know their quality, they know why they are in that position, and they know the only way to get out of that position is by getting good results.
“It’s up to us to play at our best, to repeat the performance of last Saturday, or if we can improve because there’s always things to improve.
“That would be very good for us and make things very difficult for Derby, but it will be a tough game for us, I have no doubt about it.”
Silva’s defensive options will be boosted by the return from suspension of both Tosin and Denis Odoi.
Tosin had been in fine form at the back alongside Tim Ream prior to his red card against West Brom, but the Whites have shipped just one goal in the three games since Michael Hector came into the side.
“It will not be an easy decision,” Silva replied when asked about the selection dilemma. “Not just Hector, but Denis as well is coming back. It’s two not easy decisions.
“There’s always a strategy behind my decision, analysing what we want to do, and after I will take the decision that I believe is best for the Club and for the starting XI tomorrow.
“Whenever I make a decision it is thinking what is the best thing to do in the right moment?
“About Hector, I just have good words for him. We spoke about the things he should improve to be involved, because he was not involved in the squad list for a long period as the other three were in a better position than him.
“He had a long period out of the squad, but he worked hard and showed his quality to me. And the last three weeks I decided he should start, and he has been improving.
“I am seeing improvements from him. In the last game, his first 10 minutes were not the best, he was a little bit anxious in some moments, but he grew during the game and had a good performance.
“That’s what I want from him, and the decision tomorrow will be tough for sure, but I will do what I think is best for the football club.”