Fulham captain Tom Cairney on the timing of today's clash with Leeds United and what it could do for Cottagers

But the midfielder, who was released by the Whites as a teenager, believes a win for the Cottagers today could snap them out of their mid-season lull.

A 12-point gap exists between second placed United and sixth-placed Fulham.

"When you've lost three games in succession, you probably don't want to be facing one of the best teams in the division but sometimes these sort of fixtures are the ones you can win and get out of a rut," he said in his programme notes.

He believes Fulham can make life difficult for the visitors, however and issued a rallying cry to Fulham fans to play their part.

"Leeds are a very good team, as shown by their league position, but they'll know it's not going to be easy for them today," he said.

"We'll need the fans to get behind us as we try to return to winning ways."

Boss Scott Parker echoed the call for home supporters to back his side, especially if Leeds are on top.

"The last three matches haven't provided you with much to cheer about but we're going to need you encouraging us from the first minute right until the last kick," he said.

"In particular, during the patches in the game where we may come under some pressure or adversity, we need you right behind us so that we can get through difficult moments together as one."