Slavisa Jokanovic expects a better performance from his Fulham side this weekend at Barnsley as he seeks to get the Whites’ season back on track following last Saturday’s set back at Sunderland.

The Mackems recorded their first home league victory for 364 days thanks to former Fulham academy striker Josh Maja’s first senior goal at the Stadium of Light – and Jokanovic was damning about the failings of his side following a defeat that ended a positive run of form in the Championship.

The Fulham head coach told his Motspur Park press conference this afternoon:

It was a poor performance at Sunderland. We didn’t do enough and weren’t clinical. We now must take this chance to win a maximum number of points. We’ve had many ups and downs, but I expect we will find our highest level and we will have plenty more ups this season.

All the games in this league are tough. There’s not a big difference between the top and bottom teams. We know we can offer a better performance. We have a chance to be competitive and push together to win against Barnsley.

Jokanovic’s mood has been boosted by the return of several injured players to training ahead of the festive period. Winger Floyd Ayite, who has been sidelined for a month since injuring his hamstring in that incredible 5-4 win at Sheffield United, is now available for selection again, whilst Neeskens Kebano, who also suffered a hamstring strain shortly after setting up the winning against Birmingham City last month, will face a fitness test before the visit of the Tykes.

The Serbian is also excited by the return of Lucas Piazon from a broken leg after the Brazilian came through training this week ahead of schedule:

Floyd Ayite has started working with the team and can be available for the weekend. Neeskens Kebano started working with the team today and we will assess his fitness later on. Lucas Piazon has been working really hard to be available to help us.