Sunderland Under-21s take on Liverpool on Monday in the final home game of the Premier League 2 campaign (7pm).
The Black Cats currently sit 10th with a top 16 finish ensuring a play-off place and top 12 securing qualification for next season's International Cup.
Opposition
Liverpool currently sit fifth having won 10, drawn three and lost five from 18.
The Reds most recently picked up three points in a 3-0 victory over Manchester United. Goals from Trent Kone-Doherty, Kaide Gordon and Jayden Danns sealed victory.
Lewis Koumas is the side's leading goalscorer with seven in 11 appearances.
Barry Lewtas is the current U21 lead coach having took over the role in May 2020.
Lewtas started his coaching career with Wigan Athletic in 2003 before making the move to Bolton Wanderers in 2007.
After arriving on Merseyside in eight years on, the 43-year-old worked his way up the academy ranks eventually taking over from Steven Gerrard in the development squad.
Premier League 2
Tottenham Hotspur are the league leaders with just one defeat. West Ham, Fulham and Chelsea make up the top four.
Victory for Graeme Murty's side could see the Black Cats leapfrog into eighth.
Derby County sit bottom with Newcastle and Leeds also in the bottom three.
Team news
Ellis Taylor made his return from injury in the previous fixture against Middlesbrough. The full-back will look to get more minutes in the tank on Monday.
Ben Crompton remains on the sidelined.
Coverage
The fixture will live streamed on the official YouTube channel- Sunderland AFC. Live match updates can be found on the official X platform- @AcademyofLight