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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Josh Williams

Trent Alexander-Arnold return can help Liverpool exploit main Watford weakness

Liverpool are set to be without Alisson Becker and Fabinho for their trip to Watford this weekend, but the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold could give the Reds a timely boost in one particular department.

The Scouse full-back was absent against Manchester City and FC Porto before the international break having suffered from a groin problem, but he's now available for selection after re-joining training.

Alexander-Arnold's quality of delivery from set-pieces could prove to be decisive in the upcoming contest with the Hornets, with the academy graduate deemed as a specialist from dead balls.

So far this season, Watford have shipped four goals from set-pieces which is the joint-most in the Premier League alongside Crystal Palace.

The newly-promoted outfit - who recently appointed Claudio Ranieri as their head coach - have also allowed the most shots on their goal from set-piece situations, with a total of 37 ahead of Tottenham on 36 and Burnley on 34.

On the attacking side of the game, Liverpool have showcased the necessary qualities required to highlight Watford's underlying problem.

The Reds have benefited from set-pieces having found the net five times already, which is the joint-most alongside Chelsea, and Liverpool's 49 shots from set plays is also a league-leading figure, with the team's playing style under Klopp tending to deliver corner-kick opportunities.

Since the beginning of last season, the Anfield side have won 12 more corners than any other team, which likely stems from their dominance of possession alongside their ability to get the ball close to the opponent's goal.

With Alexander-Arnold back in the team feeding the likes of Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk in the penalty box, Liverpool could be in line to highlight Watford's struggles from set-pieces on Saturday.

The team lost 3-0 when they last faced the Hornets away from home, but the Reds look primed to inflict revenge this time around.

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