Match preview: U18s v Blackburn in Gerrard's first home game

Liverpool U18s host Blackburn Rovers at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday in Steven Gerrard's first home game in charge, and you can watch the encounter exclusively live on LFC TV.

The young Reds started 2017-18 with a 1-1 draw away at Derby County, a game which featured a superb header from Liam Coyle and a heroic penalty save from goalkeeper Dan Atherton.

Read on for all the details you'll need about the U18s' next fixture.

Where is the game being played?

The match is at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday morning, with kick-off set for 11am BST.

How can I watch the game?

We are showing the match live on LFCTV, with our coverage starting at 10.30am. Click here for details on how to sign up for LFCTV.

Last season

It was a debut to remember for Liam Millar as the Reds took on Blackburn on the opening day of 2016-17, with the Canadian striker firing a hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Kirkby. Glen McAuley also netted in his first appearance for the club after coming off the bench. The reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 draw, with McAuley netting a brace, while the two sides also met in the end-of-season mini-league - a game that saw the Reds run out 3-0 winners thanks to a double from Curtis Jones and a superb strike from George Johnston.

View from the manager

Gerrard: "The fact the boys were disappointed they didn’t win at Derby is a good sign for me as a coach.

"We know Blackburn will be physical, powerful and direct and they will try and disrupt our rhythm, so we are aware of their strengths and we need to dominate the possession and take our chances."

Read more from the boss here.

View from the squad

Adam Lewis is entering his second full season with Liverpool U18s and the Scouser is eager to build on an impressive debut campaign at this level.

The 17-year-old, who is equally at home with playing in central midfield or at left-back, says he is happy to help the team with his versatility.

And, after getting the opportunity to train at Melwood on a number of occasions last season, he is now aiming to keep improving under the tutelage of Gerrard.

He said: “It’s just unreal having Steven Gerrard as our coach because I have always looked up to him since I was younger. He is there to help us always, and he has been in our shoes before and that is the best thing about it.

“He is really passionate before the games. His team talks are great and he gets everyone up for the game. If one of us doesn’t do his job then he will get at us, and that is a good thing because everyone listens to Steven.

“I’ve got nice memories of playing against Blackburn because it was my first start for the U18s last season. Liam Millar scored a hat-trick on his debut and hopefully we can have another good day against a good side.

“We know Blackburn will be well organised and they battle for every tackle, so we have to match them and hopefully we can win the game.

“It was good to get the first game out of the way at Derby last weekend. It was a tough game but it’s one we could have won.

“I was happy to provide the assist for our goal when Liam Coyle met my corner. Liam doesn’t score that many and I was so proud of him because it was a brilliant header.

“The celebrations topped it all off really and I think it showed just how much it meant to him and to us.

“Eddie [Edvard Tagseth] made his debut for us last week at Derby and he was brilliant. Eddie is a machine, he just runs and runs and he’s a great addition to our team.” 

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