Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa’s Senegalese striker, has scored four goals in four Premier League matches ahead of the clash with Fulham and Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey at Villa Park this Saturday.
Aston Villa host Fulham at Villa Park this Saturday, 31 October 2026, in the ninth round of Premier League fixtures, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 GMT. Four African internationals could feature in the match: Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson and Ibrahim Mbaye for Villa, and Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey for Fulham.
The man in form
The man in form, though, is Nicolas Jackson. The 25-year-old Senegal international, who arrived from Chelsea this summer, is Aston Villa’s top scorer in the league this season, with four goals in his last four Premier League appearances.
A brace against Manchester City
Nicolas Jackson’s last league outing caught the eye: on 24 October 2026, he scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Manchester City, ending the Citizens’ unbeaten run in the league.
That performance is no isolated one. Jackson also has three goals in Aston Villa’s first two Champions League matches.
Emery praises his professionalism
Unai Emery, the Aston Villa manager, told the club’s official website, as relayed by Foot Africa: “He shows us that and I knew him like that, very, very professional.”
The coach can also call on Ibrahim Mbaye, the 18-year-old Senegalese winger who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain. His involvement against Fulham is not yet confirmed.
Fulham and the duel with Bassey
On the other side, Fulham have two Nigerian internationals: midfielder Alex Iwobi and defender Calvin Bassey, whose involvement is also being considered.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, are chasing a third consecutive league win. After toppling Manchester City, the Villans want to keep their momentum going against a Fulham side coached by Alvaro Arbeloa.