Leeds United: Whites' rivals Fulham keep play-off target fixed firmly in their sights

Kemar Roofe is chased down by Fulham's Denis Odoi. PIC: Bruce Rollinson

Fulham will climb into the Championship's play-off places for the first time since the opening weeks of the season if they beat Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

The West London club have the opportunity to close the gap on Leeds United and the league’s other promotion contenders as they fulfil their game in hand at Craven Cottage.

Fulham, who held Leeds to a last-gasp 1-1 draw in the capital last week, pose the biggest threat to the top six following an impressive win over league leaders Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side are two points behind sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday and full-back Denis Odoi believes their display against Newcastle sent out a warning to the clubs above them.

“I think we put on one of our best performances of the season,” Odoi told the club’s website. “Our goal is to be in the top six. We want to be there at the end of the season and play in the play-offs.

“We sent out a signal at Newcastle and we want to do that on Tuesday. It shows that we aren’t just relaxing. We’re hunting for that place in the top six.”

Leeds were on the verge of opening up an 11-point lead over seventh-placed Fulham before Jokanovic’s side snatched a dramatic draw at Craven Cottage last Tuesday.

United, Sheffield Wednesday and Reading are looking for Blackburn to slow Fulham’s charge tomorrow evening and Rovers are unbeaten under new manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray, however, said a hectic schedule was starting to takes its toll on a squad which has been fighting relegation all season.

“We’ve got a couple of fatigue injuries with Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher picking up slight hamstrings,” Mowbray said.

“Saturday was our fifth game in 15 days, Tuesday will be the sixth in 18 days, and Saturday will be the seventh in 22 days. At some stage a few of their bodies break down because of the work.”