Aina, Iwobi, Ajayi set for Carabao Cup clashes

By Nurudeen Obalola 

SUPER Eagles defender Ola Aina is on course to make his debut for Fulham on Wednesday as his compatriots Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi are also expected to be in Carabao Cup action, Naija Times reports. 

Aina, 23, joined the London club on loan from Torino only last week but was not involved in the 3-0 Premier Leagued home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

The former Chelsea defender was left out because he was not ready, according to Fulham manager Scott Parker, but Aina should be in shape by Wednesday when Fulham host Ipswich in the second round of the Carabao Cup.  

Aina played 37 matches for Torino in all competitions last season, including 32 in Serie A, but he opted for a return to London and the Premier League on loan with promoted Fulham this term.

In another Carabao Cup fixture billed for Wednesday, Iwobi will hope to make his first appearance of the season as Everton host third-tier side Salford City, the team owned by former Manchester United players Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and others.

Iwobi was left out of the Everton squad on Sunday as new signings James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucore impressed in a 1-0 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur. The Super Eagles midfielder will look to catch the attention of Carlo Ancelotti with a good showing against the League Two club.

Also on Wednesday, Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi should be in action as West Brom seek to advance to the third round of the Cup when they host lower league side Harrogate Town. Ajayi was on from the start on Sunday as his promoted side slumped to a 3-0 home defeat to Leicester City and he will be keen to keep a clean sheet.

There are six fixtures in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.