Frank Lampard faces Taiwo Awoniyi selection dilemma after Nigeria striker’s return

Coventry City manager Frank Lampard faces a difficult decision over Taiwo Awoniyi’s return to the starting lineup after confirming the Nigerian striker is available for Monday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Awoniyi is eligible to return after completing a three-match suspension for violent conduct, but Coventry’s improved form during his absence has complicated Lampard’s selection plans.

The Super Eagles forward missed consecutive fixtures against Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa after referee Tony Harrington sent him off for catching Brighton defender Maxim De Cuyper in the face with a raised elbow during an aerial challenge on September 13.

However, Coventry have responded positively without the former Nottingham Forest striker, recording successive Premier League victories after losing each of their opening four matches.

Lampard must now decide whether to restore Awoniyi to the starting XI at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or retain Sidiki Cherif, who impressed on his full Premier League debut by winning a penalty and scoring.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the former Chelsea midfielder welcomed the competition for places in attack, insisting that a strong squad needs multiple forwards capable of delivering goals and contributing to the team’s overall play.

Lampard welcomes competition for striking role

Lampard believes having several attacking options will benefit Coventry as they attempt to establish themselves in the Premier League.

With Awoniyi returning and Cherif making an impression, the Coventry boss has more options in a crucial area of the pitch.

“Ellis as well, this is what it is there for. It’s good competition in a critical area of the pitch,” Lampard told reporters.

He stressed that clubs seeking to compete and progress in the Premier League must have forwards who can contribute beyond scoring goals.

“If you want to try and do well in this league or stay in this league and progress in this league, you have to be able to have strikers that can do the all-round striker job but also score your goals.”

Lampard also highlighted the importance of competition and mutual support among strikers, particularly given the physical and tactical demands of English football.

“You need with the rigours of this league to push each other, back each other and be there, there’s nothing better.”

The Coventry manager made it clear that Awoniyi remains an important part of his plans despite his enforced absence.

“Taiwo has missed his three games, he’s back in, we bought him for a reason. I think he was doing pretty well before the red card and missing the games.”

Coventry’s revival complicates Awoniyi’s return

Awoniyi’s suspension came at a difficult point in Coventry’s campaign, but the team have since found a way to turn their results around.

After suffering four consecutive defeats at the beginning of their Premier League campaign, they have registered back-to-back victories, building momentum ahead of their meeting with Tottenham.

That improvement has increased the pressure on Lampard to get his team selection right, particularly with Cherif offering a convincing case to retain his place.

The young forward’s ability to win a penalty and find the net on his full Premier League debut demonstrated his potential to contribute in the final third.

Awoniyi, meanwhile, will be eager to return to action and build on the form he showed before his dismissal.

His experience and physical presence could prove valuable against Tottenham, but Lampard must weigh those qualities against Cherif’s recent performances and Coventry’s improved results.

The trip to north London will provide another test of Coventry’s progress as they look to maintain their winning run.

Whether Awoniyi immediately returns to the starting lineup or begins on the bench, Lampard’s comments suggest the competition between his forwards is a welcome development as Coventry seek to sustain their revival.