Why this weekend is set to be special for Trent Alexander-Arnold…

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Trent Alexander-Arnold is in line to make his first ever start in a Merseyside derby when Liverpool host Everton at Anfield on Sunday.

Despite being just 19-years-old, the right-back’s meteoric rise and prominence in the Reds’ starting line up makes it difficult to believe he is yet to play from the off against the Toffees.

Joe Gomez started in place of the teenager in last December’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League, before again being favoured over his teammate in January’s 2-1 FA Cup win.

Liverpool’s preparations for their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City later saw Nathaniel Clyne start in place of the Englishman in April’s 0-0 at Goodison.

Alexander-Arnold appeared as a substitute on all three occasions, but will now be looking to go one better this weekend.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “Every Liverpool lad grows up dreaming of playing in a Merseyside derby. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

“This fixture always feel different to the rest. You can just feel it around the city. There’s a bit more tension and more excitement as you build towards the weekend.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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He added: “For me, it’s definitely still as important as it’s ever been. When the fixtures are released the two games I look for straight away are Everton home and away.”

The defender remained an unused substitute as Liverpool lost 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

His omission will have preserved some extra energy ahead of a game he will, admittedly, need no added motivation for.

There will likely be few on the pitch able to rival the West-Derby-born Red’s understanding of the size of the occasion and it’s importance to the city. In fact, Alexander-Arnold looks set to be the only local player on show when a new-look Everton make the short journey across Stanley Park.

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