S uper Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi faces a race against time to be fit for Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian stars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Alex Iwobi are expected to feature prominently in the encounter.
Awoniyi suffered a concussion and a broken nose during Forest’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Exeter City in midweek, adding to what has been a frustrating campaign for the 27-year-old forward, who has been limited to just four starts this season.
Forest, currently occupying fourth place, are aiming to consolidate their position in the league table against a ninth-placed Fulham side that harbors European aspirations.
The visitors have been in impressive form, winning eight of their last ten league matches. However, history favors Fulham, who have triumphed in four of their last five meetings against Forest, including the last two at Craven Cottage by a dominant aggregate score of 7-0.
Aina is set to return to Forest’s starting lineup after being rested for the FA Cup tie. The 28-year-old full-back has been instrumental in Forest’s solid defensive record this season, featuring in every league game while contributing two goals, an assist, and a league-leading three goal-line clearances.
For Fulham, Iwobi will be aiming to reach the milestone of 30 Premier League goals. The midfielder has been in fine form, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 24 appearances this season. His versatility has made him an essential figure in Marco Silva’s tactical plans.
Bassey has also established himself as one of the league’s standout defenders, making 23 appearances and clocking over 2,000 minutes. The 24-year-old leads all Premier League center-backs in Ball Carry Grade with an 82.9 rating and boasts an impressive 59% success rate in duels against dribblers.
Forest’s defensive solidity has been a key factor in their success, conceding the third-fewest goals in the league (27) and keeping a joint-league-high 10 clean sheets, alongside Liverpool.
However, they face a tough challenge against a Fulham side enjoying a strong February, with consecutive 2-1 away victories over Newcastle United in the league and Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.
Despite their European ambitions, Fulham must improve their home form, having secured just one victory in their last seven Premier League matches at Craven Cottage. With both teams eager for a crucial win, Saturday’s clash promises to be an enthralling contest.
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