Ndidi, Bassey walking Premier League suspension tightrope

Two Nigerian players, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey have to be on their best behaviour against Brighton and Arsenal respectively to avoid a suspension.

Ndidi and Bassey have received four yellow cards after 14 games in the Premier League so far this term and one more today will mean a one match ban according to a Premier League rule.

The rule says players who receive a total of five yellow cards in their first 19 matches will be given a one-match suspension.

Ndidi received his fourth yellow card in Leicester City’s 3-1 defeat of West Ham last mid-week while Bassey got his fourth in Fulham’s 4-1 loss to visiting Wolves at Craven Cottage in November.

If the two Super Eagles players go on to get more yellow cards and receive up to 10, they will face a two-match suspension as the rule stipulates that ‘a player be booked 10 times across their first 32 Premier League matches will be suspended for two games.’

Ndidi and Bassey have been pivotal for their respective clubs this season.

The Leicester City midfielder has made 47 tackles to rank joint third in the competition so far this season, made 11 blocks, 41 clearances, won 27 aerial battles and has provided four assists while Bassey has had Bassey 13 blocks and 43 clearances for Fulham.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka are among a growing number of players on three yellow cards.