Liverpool could see seven loanees in action in midweek, with Ovie Ejaria looking to help propel Rangers to a landmark Europa League win over Villarreal.
The Reds’ hectic winter continues on Wednesday night as they travel to Parc des Princes for a potentially decisive Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
A win in France would seal the first team progress to the last 16, with the U19s also able to do so with a victory of their own in their UEFA Youth League tie earlier in the afternoon.
Elsewhere on the continent and on home soil, a host of other young Reds can hope to take to the field for their loan clubs over the next three days.
Steven Gerrard‘s Rangers could go a long way to booking their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League when they welcome Villarreal to Ibrox on Thursday night.
The Glasgow side earned an impressive point when they drew 2-2 at Estadio de la Ceramica in September, and head into the game just one point behind the group leaders having lost just once in four group clashes.
While Ryan Kent is expected to miss out due to injury, Ejaria should start after being sidelined himself for the trip to Castellon, and told the Daily Record of his confidence.
“We know they are a top side but with the fans and the confidence we have at the moment we are positive and believe we can get a very good result,” he said.
Interestingly Ejaria, who made his 25th appearance for Rangers in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Livingston, also welcomed the prospect of Dom Solanke joining on loan, saying “I would speak highly of this place to him.”
Both Herbie Kane and Harry Wilson will be hoping to continue their excellent goalscoring form when Doncaster and Derby turn out on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
The young midfielders both netted for their loan sides on Saturday, with Kane bringing his season’s tally to four and Wilson up to five.
Doncaster take on Blackpool at the Keepmoat knowing a win would move them ahead of Terry McPhillips’ side in the League One table.
Meanwhile, Derby’s trip to Stoke City could see them heap misery on the 13th-placed Potters, who have won just once in their last five games.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Loris Karius could be in action as Besiktas visit Sarpsborg.
Karius helped Besiktas to their first win of November on Saturday as they beat Ankaragucu 4-1 in the Turkish Super Lig, having been the target of foreign objects thrown by the home support.
It is unlikely that another of Liverpool’s loanee goalkeepers will feature, however, as Shamal George’s stint as backup at Tranmere Rovers continues.
Ben Woodburn is also facing a difficult battle for a place at Sheffield United, who visit Brentford on Tuesday night, with Blades manager Chris Wilder admitting he could return to Merseyside in January.
But Corey Whelan’s spell at Crewe Alexandra has been more productive, and the 20-year-old will hope to make his 14th appearance when they take on Cambridge in League Two.
Liverpool’s Loanees in Midweek
- Herbie Kane (Doncaster Rovers) – Blackpool (H), Tuesday 7.45pm
- Shamal George (Tranmere Rovers) – Grimsby (A), Tuesday 7.45pm
- Corey Whelan (Crewe Alexandra) – Cambridge (H), Tuesday 7.45pm
- Ben Woodburn (Sheffield United) – Brentford (A), Tuesday 7.45pm
- Harry Wilson (Derby) – Stoke (A), Wednesday 8pm
- Ovie Ejaria (Rangers) – Villarreal (H), Thursday 8pm
- Loris Karius (Besiktas) – Sarpsborg (A), Thursday 8pm
Injured: Danny Ings (Southampton), Ryan Kent (Rangers), Connor Randall (Rochdale)
Ineligible: Allan Rodrigues (Frankfurt)
Not in action: Marko Grujic (Hertha Berlin), Sheyi Ojo (Reims), Taiwo Awoniyi (KAA Gent), Adam Bogdan (Hibernian)
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