'Don't expect another 6-0 win'
Pep Segura is relishing tonight's final Barclays Premier Reserve League North encounter with Manchester United at Anfield - but has warned supporters not to expect a repeat of the U18s' recent 6-0 victory over their arch rivals.
Three points will guarantee the second-string a second-placed finish in their section and you can watch the game exclusively live on LFC TV and LFC TV Online, with our coverage starting at 6.30pm.
"This is a good game to end our league season and I like to play against the big teams because it brings out the best in the players," Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"They know they need to concentrate 100 per cent at all times, play with focus and passion and keep up a good level of performance.
"It's fantastic for the players to get the experience of playing at Anfield again and we are all looking forward to it.
"For the U18s to win 6-0 against Manchester United was a fantastic result for the club, the supporters and the Academy, but we need to be realistic.
"In that game we played against a young United team and it was not the result you normally get against them.
"I always prefer to play against the strongest team our opponent can put out.
"I prefer to see us beat them 1-0 or 3-2, work hard and play with commitment and passion."
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The defeat at Manchester City last time out ended their hopes of winning the reserve league title but Segura insists player development is the most important philosophy of the Academy.
He added: "The most important thing in football is winning and it is disappointing that we couldn't win the title this season.
"The bigger picture is developing players so they can grow and reach a level where they can play for the first team."
With Rodolfo Borrell's U18s involved in a must-win clash with Wolves on Friday to try and clinch the title, Segura has vowed not to use any of those players and so he could field a more experienced team tonight.
"I am hoping we might be able to use some first-team squad players from Melwood because with the U18s having an important game on Friday we have to use the squad," he revealed.
Next Tuesday, Segura will fly out with his squad to the Far East to compete in the prestigious Hong Kong 7s tournament.
The Reds will compete with the likes of Aston Villa, Celtic and Rangers during their week-long trip.
"This is the first time Liverpool will be competing in this tournament and it will be an interesting experience," he said.
"I have read the rules and there are no off-sides, the pitch is different and we can only use seven players.
"We will have a travelling squad of 10 players and we will try to do our best for Liverpool FC."