Liverpool’s pre-season friendly match against Preston North End is going ahead following talks between the club in the wake of the heartbreaking passing of Reds forward Diogo Jota
Liverpool take on Preston North End in what will be the club’s first match since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The fate of the pre-season fixture was up in the air in the wake of Jota’s death last week, but it’s now been confirmed that the friendly will go ahead as planned following sensitive talks between the two clubs, as well as consultations with Liverpool players and staff.
The Portugal forward, 28, passed away following a fatal car crash on July 3. He was travelling in a Lamborghini when one of its tyres blew out, veering the car, which then burst into flames, off the road in northern Spain. The accident also claimed the life of Jota’s 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, who was also in the vehicle.
Liverpool’s preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 season have been delayed by the tragedy, with the majority of the squad flying to Portugal to attend Jota’s funeral at the weekend. It’s understood that tributes to Diogo and Andre Silva are being planned for the Preston fixture, with a small ceremony expected to take place ahead of the game.
Here, Mirror Football runs through all the details, including when and where the match is taking place and how to watch it.
When and where is Preston vs Liverpool taking place?
The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 13. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time.
It will take place at Preston’s Deepdale stadium.
How can I watch Preston vs Liverpool?
The game will televised for free on ITV1. Coverage is set to begin at 2.50pm, shortly before kick-off.
Fans can also follow the action for free via livestream on the ITVX app. Alternatively, viewers can choose to watch the match on the official ITV website. The broadcaster planned to televise the match prior to news of Jota’s death, it’s understood.
Liverpool team news
Summer arrivals Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are all available for selection and could make their Liverpool debuts. The same applies to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who joined the club last year but spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Valencia.
Reds supporters will be especially eager to see Wirtz in action following his record-breaking £116million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
Preston team news
Like Liverpool, Preston have been active in the transfer market this summer. New signings Odel Offiah, Daniel Iversen, Thierry Small, Jordan Thompson, Pol Valentin and Daniel Jebbison are all expected to be involved, and could make their debuts for the Championship club under the lights at Deepdale.
Liverpool fixtures
After taking on Preston, Liverpool will head to Asia for a pair of pre-season friendlies. They’ll face AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26, followed by a clash with Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on July 30.
To conclude their summer schedule, Arne Slot’s side will host Athletic Club at Anfield on August 4 in an unusual double-header, with matches kicking off at 5pm and 8pm. This rare format is designed to give maximum playing time to most, if not all, senior squad members.
Liverpool will then turn their attention to competitive action, meeting Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 10, before kicking off their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth.
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