Boro have not lost any of the seven games they have played since they went down 2-1 to Jean Tigana’s outfit at Craven Cottage on January 12.

But three of their four wins during that period have come in the FA Cup, and they have collected only six of the 12 points on offer in the league.

Boro currently have 28 points to their name with 13 games still to play, and Southgate knows they will have to collect around 14 more if they are to survive.

‘‘I guess you’re looking at something around 42 points to ensure you’re safe,’’ he said.

‘‘I had the misfortune to go down with 45 once when I was with Crystal Palace, but I’ve a feeling four teams went down that year.

‘‘We have to collect as many points as possible in a short space of time. That would make the end of the season a little more enjoyable.

‘‘If we can get a positive result tonight, that really would lift us. It would take us midway in the table and, all of a sudden, there’s a little bit of breathing space and the safety line would be a lot nearer.’’

However, Southgate knows only too well Fulham will be no push-over after they, like Boro, won their way through to the FA Cup quarter-finals over the weekend.

‘‘We’re on a good run at the moment I think it’s unbeaten in seven but Fulham are a good side,’’ he said. ‘‘We saw that down there. They were the last team to beat us.

‘‘It will be a tough game. They pass the ball very well and are an entertaining team to watch. There are plenty of players in their side we have to look out for.’’

Boro manager Steve McClaren knows how good Fulham can be after being immensely impressed with Tigana’s work to date.

‘‘What I like about Tigana is that he’s come in and straight from day one, had his philosophy and his way of playing the game,’’ said McClaren.

‘‘He’s done that in the First Division, proved they could play football from the back all the way through the team and win football matches, and he’s transferred that into the Premier League.

‘‘He’s tweaked and refined it a little bit more to the rigours of the Premiership, but he’s adapted it well.

‘‘And certainly the players he’s brought over have been very, very good players with great ability, good athletes, powerful, with pace a good combination for any footballer.’’

McClaren will be missing striker Hamilton Ricard and midfielder Phil Stamp through injury, and defender Gianluca Festa through suspension.

However, loan signing Benito Carbone, who was cup-tied at the weekend, is available once again, and Alen Boksic could start his first game since Boxing Day after a combination of a calf problem and a bout of flu.