Five Nigerian footballers dey prepare for serious weekend assignments for England, Spain and Italy, as some of Europe top clubs stand between dem and important results. The matches go test both the players and their teams, with league leaders, title chasers and big contenders all involved.
For England, Semi Ajayi and Hull City go visit Premier League leaders Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday by 4:00 PM WAT. Hull City dey 11th for table but dem don go eight games without win across all competitions. Ajayi played full 90 minutes in last weekend 2-2 draw against Ipswich Town and made six key clearances. Arsenal dey top table with perfect home record this season.
Ola Aina and Nottingham Forest go host Manchester City at City Ground on Saturday by 5:30 PM WAT. Forest dey 19th with just six points from nine matches. Aina was substituted at half-time during last week 2-0 defeat to Brentford, and Daniel Muñoz dey tipped to replace am at right wing-back. Manchester City dey look to bounce back from two consecutive league losses.
For Spain, Umar Sadiq and Valencia go host Real Madrid at Mestalla on Saturday night. Sadiq recently return from two-month injury lay-off to score one fine solo winner in Valencia 1-0 victory over Elche, wey give coach Javier Aguirre him first win. Real Madrid, wey dey third, arrive Mestalla on seven-game winning streak across all competitions.
Ademola Lookman and Atlético Madrid go host league leaders Barcelona at Metropolitano on Sunday night for one high-stakes clash between La Liga top two teams. Atlético dey second and dem trail Barcelona by just two points. Reports from Spain suggest say coach Diego Simeone dey consider tactical switch to 4-3-3 formation to feature Lookman on left wing.
For Italy, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Serie A leaders Lazio go visit Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday by 12:30 PM WAT. Lazio dey top table on six-game winning streak. Dele-Bashiru featured off bench in Lazio 2-1 win over Cagliari last weekend, while eighth-placed Napoli want bounce back after back-to-back defeats.
