SOUTHEND United’s youth team will complete their pre-season preparations against Liverpool this week.

The Shrimpers’ under 19 side have been preparing for their campaign, which gets underway at Boreham Wood next Wednesday, by playing a number of warm up matches.

And their flurry of friendlies will finish against the Premier League giants at their training ground on Friday.

Blues’ youngsters have already played Rising Ballers, Arsenal, Great Wakering Rovers’ first team and youth team, Crystal Palace, Seevic College, Dagenham & Redbridge, Peterborough United Portsmouth, Colchester United, Sutton United, FFDTV and Barking Abbey.

But Danny Heath’s side will now take on Billericay Town on Wednesday before travelling to play Liverpool on Friday.

The Shrimpers last faced Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup back in 2011 when the hosts ran out 9-0 winners at Anfield.

Raheem Sterling bagged five goals while Conor Coady was also on target.