Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough is preparing his side for a trip to face Slavisa Jokanovic's Fulham on Saturday and has offered his upcoming opponents some very high praise indeed. 

Former Liverpool striker Clough has said that Fulham come through and steamroller teams and move up the league in the second half of the season - much like his old club used to do when they were at their peak in the 1970s.

Fulham came rampaging through in the second half of last season with a staggering run of results that saw them clinch the final play-off place, only to lose to Reading in the semi finals.

They are only one point off the play-offs as it stands, in eight place, and Clough would not bet Fulham making a similar burst again this time around.

He told the Burton Mail: "I don't know if it's a conscious way they do it. I know that Liverpool used to do it many years ago.

"They always, from Christmas onwards, used to steamroll teams and then win the title, when they were at their best in the 1970s. So I don't know if it's a conscious plan.

"I don't think you can do that in the Championship. I'm sure if they had the choice, they would have been up there from day one, but you lose players, players are still fitting in and gelling."

The Verdict

The main similarity I would draw between the great Liverpool sides and the current Fulham team is the commitment to pass-and-move football.

They keep the ball on the ground and try and play good stuff - maybe that style of play takes a little bit longer to get going but can play teams off the park when it clicks.

For my part, I expect Fulham to end up just outside the play-offs this time around - Tom Cairney is massive for them and he hasn't quite fired this season.

Fulham fans - what do you make of Clough's comments? Let us know in the comments below...