Richards urges U23s to challenge Liverpool

Gary Richards insists Swansea City Under-23s must challenge Liverpool’s dominance at the top of Premier League 2 when they meet at LFC Academy this afternoon (12.30pm).

The Reds hold a six-point lead at the top of the division one table with four wins from their last five league outings.

Despite losing the opening game of the season 2-0 against Liverpool, the young Swans can go into today’s encounter with confidence following back-to-back league victories against Arsenal and Sunderland.

“We want to end the calendar year in the league year on a high,” Richards said.

“We are confident following two very professional victories in PL2 last month, and we want to continue to build on those wins.

“Liverpool will be one of the toughest challenges we face this season. They are top of the league and looking to lift the title, so we must rise to that challenge.

“We are in a good place and we would like to go into the Christmas break with three league wins in a row.”

The under-23s look set to make changes following their 5-1 Premier League Cup victory over Colchester United last Thursday.

Goalscorer Daniel James looks set to be included in the squad once again following his return from injury.

“We will have key players back in the team following our win last week,” Richards continued.

“Competition for places in the team is high. No-one is guaranteed a place and the lads have shown they are willing to compete for a starting role.

“We have to be organised and confident we can attack.

“This group of players has grown since our first game of the season against Liverpool in August, but we have to prove that with performances on the pitch.”