Match preview: High-scoring U18s host Sunderland in Kirkby

Liverpool U18s will hope to extend their excellent run of recent form when they host Sunderland at the Kirkby Academy on Friday night.

Steven Gerrard's side have scored 10 goals in their last two league games, with half of those coming in a 5-1 away win at Middlesbrough last weekend.

On Tuesday, a large number of the squad were in action for the U19s as they clinched qualification for the last 16 of the UEFA Youth League in style, courtesy of a 4-0 win over Sevilla.

Read on for all the details you need about this evening's fixture...

Where is the game being played? The match is at the Kirkby Academy, with kick-off set for 7pm GMT.

How can I watch the game? We are showing the match live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO, with our coverage starting at 6.30pm. Click here to sign up now.

Last season head-to-head: The young Reds won 2-0 in Kirkby, with Yan Dhanda and Glen McAuley on the mark. Away from home, the Black Cats secured a 2-1 success as they ended Liverpool's 13-game unbeaten record.

View from the assistant manager, Tom Culshaw

"It's been a great week for the boys who were involved in the U19 squad in Sevilla, but now we turn our full attentions back to the league and a game under the Kirkby floodlights against Sunderland.

"We played really well last week to beat Middlesbrough 5-1 and we want to keep this decent run going. We've been better defensively, more secure at the back, and the lads deserve credit for that.

"We are expecting Sunderland to come here, work hard and try to stop us from playing our normal game, so we just need to concentrate on our game and continue working hard.

"I'm loving it working with the U18s alongside Steven Gerrard and the rest of the staff. I've known a lot of the boys in our team for a while and they are a great bunch of lads who are willing to learn and put the hard work in. The lads love being around Steven and he has been a massive influence on all of them."

View from the player, Tom Clayton

"It was tough for me being injured and missing the start of the season after tearing the ligaments in my knee, but it's great to back and playing in this team.

"We played really well against Middlesbrough last week. They tried to make it hard for us but credit to the boys because we played really well and our strikers are on fire!

"Steven Gerrard has made a big difference for all of us. We all enjoy training alongside him and he has everybody motivated. The competition for places in the team is strong and we are all on our toes all of the time.

"Everybody knows if you have a bad game then there is someone waiting to come in so we are desperate to perform to our best in every game."

Next article

Three LFC youth games in a week - tickets from £1

More on Liverpool FC