Will Fulham’s Championship run-in allow them to avoid relegation?

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This conversation is one that few Fulham supporters ever imagined having. Just six years ago, the Whites had completed the most famous comeback in their history, beating Juventus 4-1 on a storied night. At that time, Fulham were an established Premier League club with perhaps overly lofty ambitions, but today fans find themselves fretting over a possible demotion to League One. The next eight matches will be imperative in determining Fulham’s future.

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After relegation to the Championship in 2014, the Whites were expected to challenge for promotion. Yet Felix Magath’s abysmal reign pushed us far too close to the bottom of the league and last May, Fulham just about avoided relegation. That was supposed to be an anomaly, and this year Fulham fans expected to be near the hallowed promotion places, yet the Whites maddeningly find themselves in a similar predicament in 2015/16. Fulham are currently 21st, just one point and one place above the drop zone with eight matches to go. Here is a look at the vital run-in.

Must Win Matches: MK Dons (H), Bolton Wanderers (H), Brentford (A)

If the Cottagers want to stand any hope of staying up this year, they will need to gain the precious three points in these fixtures. MK Dons at home after the international break will be a massive relegation six-pointer. The Dons currently occupy the final relegation spot, and are just one point below Fulham. A win at the Cottage would go a long way in ensuring Fulham’s safety.

In addition, the Whites must also defeat local rivals Brentford away at Griffin Park. Brentford sit in the bottom half of the Championship table too, and are on awful form, having lost avoided defeat in just one out of their last eight. Fulham must capitalise on Brentford’s poor recent form and secure a victory in the West London derby.

Another crucial match is the home fixture against Bolton on the last day of the season. The Lancashire club currently languish rock bottom of the Championship and are a gargantuan 12 points clear of safety. Bolton were just thrashed 6-0 by fellow relegation contenders Rotherham, and this fixture looks like a great opportunity to put relegation fears to rest.