GuidePremier League International Cup: Format, fixtures and more

Format

The competition features 12 teams from Premier League 2 and 12 sides invited from European academies.

They are divided into three groups consisting of eight clubs each – four from PL2 and four from Europe.

Every PL2 side faces each of the four European teams within their section during the group phase and all matches are hosted in England.

The top two finishers in each group automatically progress to the quarter-finals and will be joined by the two best third-placed teams.

Knockout ties are one-off fixtures, using extra-time and penalties as required.

Group stage

This season, the Reds are in Group C, alongside fellow PL2 clubs Crystal Palace, Everton and Fulham.

Their European opponents will be Athletic Club, Benfica, Feyenoord and AS Monaco, with the latter first up later this week.

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Fixtures

• Liverpool v Monaco – September 27 (7pm)
• Liverpool v Benfica – October 22 (2pm)
• Liverpool v Feyenoord – December 6 (7pm)
• Liverpool v Athletic Club – TBC

All matches will be played at the Kirkby Academy.

Rules

The competition is for U23 players, though teams are permitted to use overage players up to a maximum of three outfielders and a goalkeeper.

Last season

Liverpool gained seven points in the group stage in 2022-23, including defeats of Dinamo Zagreb and Paris Saint-Germain, which was sufficient to qualify for the last eight.

Barry Lewtas’ charges were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Palace, however, after a 1-0 home loss. PSV Eindhoven were ultimately crowned champions, beating the Eagles 3-1 in the final.