The young Magpies were beaten 4-1 at home by Derby last weekend - a case of 'after the Lord Mayor's show' following their impressive 3-1 FA Youth Cup fourth round success against Swansea at St. James' Park.

Watson will be hoping for a better display in the 12.30pm kick-off at Liverpool's Academy and is boosted by the return of skipper Owen Bailey.

Finnish goalkeeper Otto Huuhtanen could make his first start while Gideon Adu-Peprah is set to continue his comeback after injury.

United are back in FA Youth Cup action on Wednesday night, when they take on local rivals Sunderland in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup. Kick-off against the Black Cats at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground in Hetton will be at 7pm and admission is £3 for adults and £1 for supporters.