Harry Wilson aims for another major scalp as Liverpool loanees send midweek message

October 30, 2018
Jack Lusby

Eight Liverpool loanees are set to be in action in midweek, with the pursuit of cup glory providing opportunities to prove a point to Jurgen Klopp.

After Saturday’s 4-1 thrashing of Cardiff City, the Reds are not in action again until this weekend, with a rare six-day break between games a welcome one.

But while Klopp prepares his squad for a must-win clash with Arsenal during a lengthy spell at Melwood, a host of youngsters will be looking to catch his eye away from Merseyside.

Harry Wilson can be considered chief among those, as he takes to the field at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night in the League Cup fourth round.

The young Welshman was central to Derby County’s victory over Man United in the previous round.

He scored a stunning free-kick to cancel out Juan Mata’s opener, reacted quickest to ensure Sergio Romero’s sending off and netted a penalty in the decisive shootout at 2-2.

With Frank Lampard returning to his old club in Chelsea, he can look to Wilson—who has been in excellent form since that night at Old Trafford—to provide the Rams with their inspiration.

Enjoying an unexpected renaissance at Hibernian, Liverpool exile Adam Bogdan faces one of the biggest nights of his season in the Edinburgh derby on Wednesday.

The Hungarian has kept four clean sheets in eight Scottish Premiership games this season, including three in his last four outings, but conceded four last time out to Celtic.

Hibs haven’t won at Hearts since 2013, on a weekend in which Andy Robertson‘s Queen’s Park lost 3-1 to Peterhead to ensure they remained in the Third Division.

They have edged their last six meetings, however, winning three to Hearts’ two, and Bogdan will be aiming for a big performance to deliver a blow to the league leaders.

Another goalkeeper, Shamal George, has become a forgotten man on loan at Tranmere Rovers, with his last outing coming in the EFL Trophy against Crewe Alexandra in September.

He is yet to make his League Two debut, as he plays deputy to Scott Davies, and has featured more for the Liverpool U23s than his loan club in recent months.

But with Rovers taking on the Man City U21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, having already been knocked out of the competition following losses to Crewe and Shrewsbury Town, he could be given a rare start.

George has fallen out of favour with Tranmere supporters despite his lack of appearances, but this could be his chance to make an impression, particularly on his parent club.

Elsewhere, Taiwo Awoniyi will be looking to score against his former loan side Royel Excel Mouscron as Gent travel to Stade Le Canonnier on Tuesday night.

One player who won’t be in action, however, is Danny Ings, with Southampton‘s League Cup tie against Leicester City postponed following the death of Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a shocking helicopter crash on Saturday.