The 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Chelsea gives United the chance to make up ground on their rivals, providing they can get a better result than the 1-1 draw they managed on their last two capital encounters with the Cottagers.
"There is an opportunity to close the gap and we have to take it," said Ferguson.
"Our form has been good over the last few weeks and we have been buoyed by that but equally, Fulham's confidence will have been lifted by their win over Norwich last week."
Ferguson also comes up against former United front-man Andy Cole, who netted 121 goals in 268 appearances for United until he left for Blackburn three years ago.
Ferguson said: "I still think he is one of the best strikers in the business and we will have to be aware of him, especially in the area because there are few as quick as he is inside the box."
Ferguson has his own striking problems at the moment, with former Fulham favourite Louis Saha out for at least three weeks with a knee problem, while Ruud van Nistelrooy's place in tonight's game is in doubt due to a troublesome calf injury.
It means either Wayne Rooney or Alan Smith will operate as a lone front man.
