Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham have grown isolated in sixth and seventh place respectively.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic [left] with Sheffield Wednesday counterpart Carlos Carvalhal [centre]
The battle for sixth place resumes on Saturday, when Fulham can overtake Sheffield Wednesday by bettering the Owls’ result.
Wednesday travel to Barnsley for the day’s lunchtime kick-off and know that anything short of a win against their local rivals will allow Fulham to surpass them with a point against bottom side Rotherham, who must win to guarantee their survival.
Though fans of the Cottagers will certainly fancy their chances of climbing into the top six, they are sure to be wary of a third successive slip-up against a side from the bottom end of the division.
According to Sky Sports pundit David Prutton, who spent three seasons at Hillsborough, this will be the week that Wednesday are finally overtaken by Slavisa Jokanovic’s side.
“Sheffield Wednesday have been fortunate because every time they stutter, Fulham do too,” Prutton writes in his weekly predictions column. “It’s kept them marginally ahead in the play-off race but it’s very tight now.
“They face a tough test against a Barnsley team that has been excellent despite losing several key players.
“I’ve played in this game and it’s usually pretty tasty so I’m going for a hard-fought score draw.”
He added: “I’m sorry Rotherham, I’m sending you down this weekend. They need to win to keep alive their slim hopes of survival but Fulham are pushing for a play-off place themselves and will be desperate for the three points.
“The London club have been very hit-and-miss this season but they should get something from Rotherham, who could then do them a favour when they face Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.”
Last season’s play-off finalists, Wednesday have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
However, the Owls could welcome back a number of key players, including Sam Hutchinson and Gary Hooper, against their local rivals.
Fulham visit Carlos Carvalhal’s side for a potential play-off play-off on the season’s final day.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Sam Hutchinson [right] in action with Fulham’s Lucas Piazon
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
