"We watched the match in the last round against Middlesbrough. They are not a physical side like some might expect. There were a lot of good players who showed some nice touches," said Academy coach John Owens.
"Most of the lads have had plenty of experience last year. Apart from Astrit Adjarevic, goalkeeper Martin Hansen and Ryan Flynn they have been together as a group for a long time, the majority since they were 10, so you hope they are factors that can help us and show through.
"It is a bad thing that we haven't played, in that you want matches to keep yourself in shape and fresh. But it is a good thing that you don't pick up any injuries.
"We had an internal game and we were able to have the four or five lads from Melwood training with us, which hadn't happened before the previous matches. So we've had plenty of time to work as a proper squad, which is very helpful."