Pressure is all on the Cottagers says United assistant Clotet as play-off rivals go head to head

The Elland Road club has spent the past four months in the top six and look well set to extend their season beyond the final day of the regular season on May 7.

Eight points separate United in fourth place from the chasing pack but with Slavisa Jokanovic’s side looking the only side capable of making a concerted push to dislodge any of the clubs occupying a play-off place then tonight’s clash at Craven Cottage could have big ramifications.

“We are prepared to fight for every game and we take every game as very important,” said Clotet, who will resume normal duties after standing in for the suspended Garry Monk on the touchline during Friday night’s win at Birmingham City.

“After the game you look at the balance. Maybe a point will be a fair result or maybe you had a better game, or a worse game. You judge the result after. But before it you always have to look to get a win. We are preparing to win.

“For them, the situation is a bit different than for us. Every point really counts for them and we understand they will go full-on because the closer they can get (to the top six) and the better results they have against the teams who are there, the more chance they have to go to the play-offs.”

With Norwich City and Derby County having dropped precious points in recent weeks, the Cottagers have emerged as the major threat to a top six that contains three Yorkshire clubs.

The Cottages have scored more goals than all bar leaders Newcastle United of the sides above them in the table, and their goal difference is superior to those of Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town and Reading.

Fulham have momentum, though this is something Monk’s United also boast after beating Sheffield Wednesday and Birmigham City in back-to-back games in front of the live Sky cameras.

“Fulham are a team who are clear how they play,” Clotet said. “They’re very good at building from the back and they’re very good at keeping a high level of possession and using that possession to create chances.

“They have a few weak points but they are a strong side, especially at home because they have the confidence to play their football.

“It is not easy to battle.”

Charlie Taylor and Ronaldo Vieira both return to the squad after failing to make the 18 on duty at St Andrews on Friday night despite Monk admitting both were available.

Neither is likely to make the starting XI, however, for a visit to a ground where the hosts have won six of their last eight league outings and also humbled Premier League Hull City in the FA Cup

Clotet added: “We all agree we had a very good result on Friday. Obviously, it gives you a boost going to Fulham but we know it is going to be a very hard game. We have a very hard game in front of us.”

Last six games: Fulham WWLWDW, Leeds United LLWDWW.

Referee: L Probert (Wiltshire).

Last time: Fulham 1 Leeds United 1; October 21, 2015; Championship.