EPL: Awoniyi doubtful as Aina faces Bassey, Iwobi

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is a doubt for Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, where Nigerian stars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are expected to feature.

Awoniyi suffered a concussion and 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 striker who has made just four starts this season.

The clash sees fourth-placed Forest looking to consolidate their position against a Fulham side sitting ninth and harboring European ambitions of their own.

Forest have been in sensational form, winning eight of their last 10 Premier League games, but face a Fulham side that has won four of their last five meetings against them, including their last two at home by an aggregate score of 7-0.

Aina is expected 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 impressive defensive record this season, featuring in every league game while contributing two goals, an assist and a league-high three goal-line clearances.

For Fulham, Iwobi will be hoping to reach a personal milestone of 30 Premier League goals, having netted seven times and provided three assists in 24 appearances this season.

The midfielder’s versatility has made him a key figure in Marco Silva’s tactical setup.

Bassey has also established himself as one of the league’s most reliable defenders, featuring in 23 games and clocking over 2,000 minutes. The 24-year-old leads all Premier League centre-backs in Ball Carry Grade with 82.9 and boasts an impressive 59% success rate in duels against dribblers.

Forest currently boast one of the best defensive records in the Premier League, having conceded the third-fewest goals (27) and kept a joint-league-high 10 clean sheets alongside Liverpool.

However, they face a stern test against a Fulham side that has enjoyed a strong February, securing consecutive 2-1 away victories against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

The Cottagers sit just four points off the European places with 14 games remaining, though their home form needs improvement having won just one of their last seven league matches at Craven Cottage.