Six players from Derby County and AFC Bournemouth that could scare their illustrious opponents.
Premier League giants Chelsea and Liverpool both face tough assignments away from home in the League Cup quarter finals this week, with the top flight sides set for trips to Championship high flyers Derby County and AFC Bournemouth respectively.
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Both Championship clubs are battling for a place in the Premier League next season and in fine form, meaning that there will be plenty of players on show with the capability of hurting their illustrious opposition. We’ve picked out six of the most impressive:
Marc Pugh (Bournemouth)
Tricky winger Marc Pugh has taken his time and a winding career trajectory to make it to the brink of the Premier League, but the former Bury and Shrewsbury Town man is a crucial player for Bournemouth. He has fantastic close control, can go past a player and also chips in with his fair share of goals.
Craig Bryson (Derby County)
Everyone loves a goalscoring midfielder and Derby certainly have one at their disposal in Scottish international Craig Bryson. He put rumours linking him with Burnley in the summer to bed to extend his Derby stay and is a vital cog in the Steve McClaren machine with his ability to burst into the box late on in moves, whilst he also possesses a fine long range shot, which was displayed in victory at Watford recently.
Harry Arter (Bournemouth)
Another player plucked from obscurity by Bournemouth and moulded into a top Championship star is midfielder Harry Arter, who is the side’s creator in chief and a genuine goal threat from central midfield. He failed to make it at Charlton Athletic and dropped into non-league with Woking before being picked up by Bournemouth and becoming a huge part of their ascent from the lower leagues.
Will Hughes (Derby County)
One Derby player who may be familiar to Chelsea fans is teenage midfielder Will Hughes, who has been linked with numerous top clubs incuding the Blues. A regular for England Under 21s and with exactly 100 Championship appearances for Derby under his belt, Hughes has huge experience for a 19 year-old and is a classy playmaker who buzzes around midfield playing short passes. Is almost certain to be seen in the Premier League in the future, if not at international level.
Yann Kermogant (Bournemouth)
Remember him? The French striker who became infamous for his chipped penalty miss in a play-off semi final against Cardiff City for Leicester City, Yann Kermogant has rebuilt his career and is now a fan favourite at Dean Court. Signed from Charlton Athletic, he is a powerful target man with a fantastic touch and the ability to bring others into play, whilst also scoring a few genuinely spectacular goals. He scored in the Cherries’ 5-3 win over Cardiff at the weekend with a sumptuous free kick.
Chris Martin (Derby County)
The main goalscoring threat in the Derby County team is undoubtedly striker Chris Martin, who is one of the most feared marksmen in the Championship and now a full Scotland international. Formerly of Norwich City, Martin has really flourished since moving to Pride Park and tends to lead the Derby attack on his own, making his goalscoring return all the more impressive.