Derby County manager Gary Rowett will know that his side must take all three points to keep their play-off dream alive when they host sixth-placed Fulham on Tuesday night.

The 10th-placed Rams moved to within eight points of the top six with a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Friday night, and they know that they could conceivably close that gap to just five points with victory at the Pride Park Stadium.

Of course, that would rely on an out-of-form Sheffield Wednesday – who are one point adrift of the Cottagers – slipping up at already-relegated Rotherham United too.

While Rowett’s men will be in confident mood following their victory against QPR, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side are certainly no pushovers themselves and they fully deserve their spot in the top six after some fantastic performances this season.

Here are three reasons Derby’s play-off dream will come to a premature end against Fulham…

Their home record

While Derby have picked up some impressive wins at home against the likes of Leeds United, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday this season, they have also been beaten by Blackburn Rovers, and drawn against Burton Albion, Bristol City and Wigan Athletic.

While that may suggest that they up their game against the teams at the top, the Rams have failed to take all three points in 11 of their 20 Championship home games this season – that will be a worry for Gary Rowett going into this must-win match.

Fulham’s away record

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The Cottagers actually have a worse home record this season than their opponents on Tuesday night, and it is their form on the road that is currently helping them in their quest to snatch a play-off spot at the end of the campaign.

Only Championship leaders Newcastle United have picked up more points on their travels than Fulham’s 33 this term, with Slavisa Jokanovic’s men taking 10 points from the last 12 available away, including a brilliant 3-1 win at St James’ Park.

Fulham’s firepower

The Cottagers have become renowned as a side that can score bundles of goals in the Championship, but also tend to concede lots too.

While they have netted 67 this term – only leaders Newcastle United have scored more – their defensive record is slightly better this time around and that is the reason they find themselves in sixth spot.

With the likes of Sone Aluko, Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon finding the net in recent weeks, there is plenty of Fulham firepower for Derby to be afraid of on Tuesday night.

Do you agree, Derby fans? Let us know below.