All but one of the players out on-loan featured for their respective sides in Friday and Saturday’s round of fixtures across Europe with varying success and minutes scattered.

ENGLAND

Krystian Bielik was an unused substitute as Birmingham City were defeated 3-0 away against Sheffield Wednesday.

Many of the club’s supporters were surprised to see him not involved, either as part of the backline or in defensive midfield. It seems only a matter of time before current boss, Gianfranco Zola, gives him an opportunity centre-stage.

Calum Chambers started and completed the full 90 minutes for Middlesbrough during their goalless draw against Everton.

Chuba Akpom made his third substitute appearance for Brighton as they cruised to a 4-1 win over Burton Albion. Replacing Sam Baldock shortly after the 70-minute mark, he didn’t have much impact on the game again.

Stephy Mavididi came on for the final ten minutes against AFC Wimbledon during Charlton’s 1-1 away draw.

Marc Bola started and completed the full 90 as Notts County worked hard for a 2-1 win over Cheltenham Town.

Kaylen Hinds was a second-half substitute as Stevenage were comfortable in a 3-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers. The 19-year-old featured for just over ten minutes on his home debut, but more is expected from the highly-rated attacker in future.

Goalkeeper Matt Macey made his first appearance for Luton during their 2-1 win over Crawley Town. He made a handful of good saves, alleviating pressure on his backline despite conceding James Collins’ effort on the hour mark.

Macey applauds the home supporters after Luton's 2-1 win
Matt Macey (pictured, centre) made his first appearance for Luton and gave a good account of himself in-between the posts. (Photo: Luton’s official Twitter account)

FRANCE

Ismael Bennacer started and completed the full 90 minutes for Tours during their 1-1 draw with Nimes on Friday evening. Operating as an attacking midfielder in the 4231 formation, he’ll be hoping to continue establishing himself further forward as it is his preferred position.

NETHERLANDS

Gedion Zelalem was a second-half substitute and scored his first goal for VVV-Venlo as they thrashed Helmond Sport 7-0. His close-range effort was the final nail in the coffin, 23 minutes after his arrival. It’s sure to give him some much needed confidence as he aims to earn a starting berth in midfield over the coming weeks.

Daniel Crowley is another midfielder who has been short of confidence recently but continues to impress at Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles.

He started and almost played the full 90 during their 3-1 win over ADO Den Haag. With two dribbles, 86.7% pass accuracy as well as being fouled on five different occasions, it’s clear he was a nuisance for the opposition.

Stats’ source: WhoScored

Who else is in action this weekend?

Wojciech Szczesny – Crotone vs Roma: 11:30am (Serie A)

Takuma Asano – VfB Stuttgart vs Sandhausen: 12:30pm (2. Bundesliga)

Jon Toral – Rangers vs Greenock Morton: 3pm (Scottish Cup)

Joel Campbell – Moreirense vs Sporting: 6pm (Liga NOS)

Julio Pleguezuelo – Rayo Vallecano vs Mallorca: 7pm (Spanish Segunda)

Tafari Moore – Utrecht II vs FC Volendam: 7pm (Jupiler League)

These will all be covered in a second loan watch piece on Monday