Paul Merson comments on Derby’s and Fulham’s promotion chances

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Derby County and Fulham are in the hunt for promotion.

Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has tipped Fulham to win promotion via the play-offs, while adding that rivals Derby County have not looked capable of going up for five weeks or so, Sky Sports reports.

The Rams entered 2018 on an impressive unbeaten run and with the sort of strong team mentality that usually stands teams good stead when gunning for automatic promotion.

A run of just one win in nine Championship games, however, has seen Gary Rowett’s side slip to fifth in the Championship table, while fellow promotion hopefuls Fulham have in contrast been formidable.

The Cottagers have won ten of their last 12 league games, including a 2-1 victory at Derby, and Merson believes they have what it takes to navigate the play-offs considering the momentum they have generated.

“Derby have had a nightmare, but if they get into the play-offs it’s a free swing because they haven’t looked like going up for five weeks or so,” Merson said when asked who he backs for promotion.

“But if I had to commit to one club, it would be Fulham. They have all of the momentum and I don’t see them losing their home game in the play-offs, given their current form.”

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have been outstanding over the past two months, and during their incredible run they have also managed to notch victories over Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Middlesbrough.

The confidence from beating fellow top six sides will give them a psychological boost should they finish in the play-offs, while on paper they arguably have the most balanced XI of the sides up there.

Derby, meanwhile, need to get back to winning ways if they are to make the top six, as no wins in seven have left the East Midlands side looking nervously over their shoulder.

Should the Rams make the play-offs, they would no doubt be considered the weakest of the four, but with the pressure off somewhat they could in fact be a dark horse to go all the way.