BBC pundit Martin Keown believes the battle between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Richarlison on Liverpool’s right flank could prove to be a decisive factor in who comes out on top in the Merseyside derby this afternoon.

Alexander-Arnold has been struggling for form this season, especially defensively, and Keown thinks that the right-back will be targeted by the Toffees as they look to win against the Reds for the first time in ten years:

“Richarlison against Alexander-Arnold could be an eye-opener. I feel he’s having a tough time at the moment because he’s trying to get forward and teams are just firing balls into that channel behind him. Their strength has become their weakness, really.”

It is definitely an area of the pitch to look out for with Richarlison being in pretty decent form so far this campaign. In all competitions, the Brazilian has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances.

He did have an issue before the international break when he was substituted early on in the 4-2 win against Brighton but he played in both of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers last week and will be available to start today’s game.