West Bromwich Albion 0-0 Fulham: Promotion chasers in stalemate

Fulham were among the pre-season favourites for automatic promotion and an immediate return to the Premier League, but the Whites have not been in the top two at any point this season.

Back-to-back defeats by west London rivals Brentford and Championship leaders Leeds straight after the season resumed left them seven points off the top two.

Fulham responded well with four successive wins to close the gap before their trip to West Brom, but the visitors were unable to break down a stubborn defence as they lacked inspiration and cutting edge in the final third.

Knockaert’s long-range effort was the closest they came to breaking the deadlock, although Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Championship’s joint-top scorer this season, sent two headers from corners narrowly off target before the break.

The Whites will now face mid-table Sheffield Wednesday and an in-form Wigan Athletic side who are still hunting points to secure their place in the Championship for next season, with the Latics potentially facing a 12-point deduction for entering administration.

Fulham won promotion to the Premier League two years ago via the play-offs and Scott Parker’s side, who need two more points to secure home advantage in the second leg of the semi-finals, will need to repeat the feat to go back up.

West Brom boss Slaven Bilic:

“We started the restart a bit slower, were a bit unlucky in first couple of games, but after that, in last five games, we are creating and dominating.

“We are in good form, playing good football. That’s where I have my optimism and belief.

“I’m very proud with the way we played. We defended well and in the second half we kept the shape and composure and created more than enough chances.

“We just couldn’t score but the composure, mentality, passion and quality made me really proud. It would be better if we had won the game of course but it’s one game less to go and it’s in our hands.”

Fulham manager Scott Parker:

“We need to be focused, we’re five unbeaten and it’s a fourth clean sheet, we need to stay focused on the journey.

“We came to win the game and keep the pressure on. Up until the drinks break was perfect.

“The longer the game goes on it becomes a little bit more end to end. We tried to change things around a little bit but it didn’t happen.

“The end goal that has been drummed into these players from day one is you’re fortunate enough to have the play-offs.”