U23 Preview: Albion V Liverpool

Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-23s open their Premier League 2 Division 1 season against Liverpool at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre this evening, kick-off 7pm.

After gaining promotion to the top flight last season, Simon Rusk’s side come up against the Reds in their opening fixture at this level, before visits to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur over the coming weeks.

A number of Albion’s under-23 players have featured for Chris Hughton’s first team in pre-season friendlies over the last month, as well as Rusk’s side completing a six-game schedule of their own.

Numerous summer signings could feature for the Seagulls this evening, after Rusk’s squad was boosted with the arrivals of Hugo Keto, Joe Tomlinson, Leo Skiri Ostigard, Anders Dreyer and Peter Gwargis.

The Merseyside outfit were pipped to the Premier League 2 title by Arsenal last season, finishing just two points behind the Gunners in second place after 22 league matches.

Tickets for tonight's match have now SOLD OUT, but Albion supporters can follow a live text blog on the Match Centre, with a report and gallery being uploaded after the full-time whistle on the south coast.