Loris Karius’ next chance to exorcise Europe ghosts in busy midweek for Liverpool loanees

October 2, 2018
Jack Lusby

Loris Karius heads on the road with Besiktas in the Europa League and Danny Ings takes his shot at Everton in an intriguing midweek for Liverpool’s loanees.

The Reds’ travel to Naples on Wednesday for their first Champions League away game of the season, looking to cement themselves at the top of Group C following their 3-2 win over PSG.

The U19s will also take on Napoli in the UEFA Youth League earlier in the day, and with 10 other loanees set to be in action there is plenty for supporters to enjoy.

Notably, Karius can hope to continue his career revival at Besiktas when he emerges at Malmo Stadium for his first European away game since the Champions League final.

So far in Turkey, the 25-year-old has been in excellent shape, with Besiktas Talk telling LFC Transfer Room after last Monday’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce that “he could be the most in-form ‘keeper in the league right now.”

Malmo lost their Group I opener to Genk and are on a run of just two wins in the last five games, and Karius should be confident heading into Thursday night.

Earlier in the week, Ings can address a contrasting record against Liverpool’s city rivals when Southampton make the trip to Everton in the third round of the League Cup.

The 26-year-old has scored three goals in six games against the Blues so far in his career—one for each of Burnley, Liverpool and Southampton—but he is yet to taste victory.

His knee injuries kept him out of the Reds’ three consecutive wins in the Merseyside derby in 2016 and 2017, drawing in each of his other outings in the historic fixture.

He already netted in the Saints’ 2-1 loss to Everton in August, and with Marco Silva’s side proving hugely inconsistent of late he can look to finally fire his side to a win on Tuesday.

One of the most positive stories among Liverpool’s loanees this season is Herbie Kane’s scintillating form for Doncaster Rovers.

The Bristolian had never played senior competitive football before his debut for Rovers in August, but now 11 games into his temporary spell is garnering widespread praise.

“The 19-year-old dictated play with the composure and maturity of a player 10 years his senior,” wrote the Star‘s Liam Hoden after Saturday’s 3-2 win at Plymouth Argyle.

“He shielded the back four, broke play up, eased any pressure with smart touches and turns and sprayed the ball around with sheer delight. What a player Rovers have on their hands.”

Kane laid on his third assist of the season that afternoon at Home Park, and will arrive for Tuesday’s clash with Accrington Stanley eager to build on his sensational start.

Connor Randall misses Rochdale’s meeting with Bristol Rovers through injury, but the likes of Allan Rodrigues, Ben Woodburn, Ovie Ejaria, Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson should also be in action over the next three days.